-sarahjayne Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Im very new to keeping chooks. Last sunday we got our first 4. Rhonda came with a sniffle but has fought it off, unfortunately lottie caught it and wasn't able to fight it off. She had bubbly eyes and much trouble breathing so bad she was gasping for air. We rang the breeder who apologised and asked us to bring her back so we can swap her for another one. We have no experience in this so would be no good nursing poor lottie, so we figured we would accept the offer and take her back where she would be cared for properly, or at least the lady would help the pain stop for poor lottie So in about half an hour we're going to take lottie back and pick up a new, healthy chook. We are extremely low on money at the moment, and cant afford a seperate pen for the new chook. How can we introduce her safely to my existing three: evie - shes really shy and is the bottom of the pecking order Rhonda - was originally bottom but worked her way up Martha - Is sometimes very violent to other hens despite being told off, [ a sweetie to us though] shes top hen. Please help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Pop her in with Evie & shut Rhonda & Martha out free-ranging. If possible keep them out and the other 2 in the run and put them all together at night? That might work? Dont know Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 The short answer is that you cannot introduce her safely unless as Tom says you can have some free ranging all the time My reply comes somewhat too late but if it was me I would keep the 'credit' with the breeder and go back foir another hen later on once I had rigged up a temporary run But then I am a doom and gloom merchant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 I have heard people say if there's only a few days between hens arriving they may get on OK? Trouble is, you won't know unless you try . You might want to get some bumper bits in case there is some nasty pecking. Sorry you've been landed with this so early on - such bad luck . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-sarahjayne Posted June 18, 2009 Author Share Posted June 18, 2009 all is good now. We have a replacement, and apart from the odd peck here and there from martha, Esmee is settling in great and has eaten and drunk, nothing nasty as of yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 That's great news . Hope it continues . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Am glad it has worked out....as you had only had the others for a few days, they won't have fully sorted out their pecking order, so she willl have slotted in without much incident. Keep a careful eye on them in case they develop the same symptoms as the poorly girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
