2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[lyd119]

Hi there,

 

we are getting four chooks quite soon but are still stuck on what breed/type to get. we really want to give some homes to ex batts but we would also like to get some silkies!

we only have room for four chickens and we are really stuck.

we thought that having both would be a problem because the ex batts wouldn't be allowed out to free range when we are at home each day for a bit and they might give the others red mite. do you think the hassle is worth it or do you think we should just go for one or the other? and if you think one or the other which do you think is better for beginners?

 

Thanks, Lydia..

[indigopurple]

I can only really give my opinion on ex batts and I have only had them for three weeks.

 

I have found them stressful, one of mine was in a bit of a state but they have all come on leaps and bounds and that has been nothing but immensly rewarding. There was an issue with bullying but that seems to have improved (touch wood).

 

We let them free-range after a week and they have been fine. I tap the treat pot and throw the treats in the run to get them back in and they have been great.

 

They have great character and are not scared of us at all which means just general fussing and chatting (i know i know i need some help) and picking them up is much easier.

 

Their egg production can be a bit hit and miss and if this is your main reason I would not neccesarily recommend ex batts. Saying that I have three, one definetely not laying and they started laying 11 days ago and I have had 9 eggs.

 

If you are going to have two of each then I am not sure how it would be best to work the order of it all. I am sure others could help.

 

Whatever you decide having backyard chickens has been one of the best decisions I have made.

[abwsco]

Hi Lydia, we started off with exbatts and then added to them. Like indigopurple said don't get exbatts if you want guaranteed egg production. I'm not sure how often silkies lay either. Also, red mite don't live on chickens they just feed on them at night.

 

Having exbatts can be stressful but it is very rewarding

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Hi lyd119,

 

I can only tell you my experiences with ex batt and non ex batt chooks, many people have gone straight in with ex batts, but I had "bomb proof" hybrids first then moved on to ex-batts once I was confident that I knew what I was doing....and if I had my time again I think I would repeat the order I used originally. Having said that the Batties are a joy to have tootling around the garden and have integrated totally with my other girls (I adopted 4 Orpingtons at the same time as I got the Batties ) They have their on ground level and the "healthy" girls go up into their next door.

 

Personally, I would not put a pair of healthy birds and a pair of ex-batts together from the word go though, my Batties were on their own for about a month before they started to freerange with the other girls - mainly due to an Orpie jumping over into the Batties run!!! When they arrived they were very skittish and terrified of everything, mine didn't but they could also have unwanted visitors (lice etc) which you would not want to be shared with a feather ball like a Silkie! They need to time to get their strength back and a reasonable coating of feathers too I think to reduce the chances of pecking etc. I'm not sure I'd be happy putting my 3 Batties in with a smaller breed given how mine all interact together...this theory may be tested if/when DS gets me come frizzle pekins for my significant birthday in 18months time, so plenty of time to think about that!!

 

Good luck with your decisions, they are a wonderful addition to the family, go with what is right for you and your setup...and don't be afraid to ask for help on here, there are some very knowledgeable people who frequent these pages (and I don't count myself in that description either!!)

 

Sha x

[FiggyPudding]

I wanted to have exbatts, but there were none available for sometime when I had bought my eglu. I bought 3 from my local animal rescue , that had all been in the same family & one of them was an ex batt. She was the friendliest, but unfortunately died within a few weeks (I think she was about 3). Now left with a maran & black rock.

 

As I had my name down with henrehomers for exbatts, I was offered & accepted 2. So now I have my old 2 in their eglu, which they constantly want to be out of freeranging & the exbatts getting their strength up in a borrowed eglu. I was thinking of having a WIR built but have been put off by the price.

 

I'm not sure if my 4 are going to be able to live toghether in the eglu...I am currently thinking of rehoming them.

 

I would say, if you can't free range your hens, then get 3 ex batts, because they will just be so thrilled to be able to stretch their wings. However, if you are really keen on the others, you might need to rethink their accomodation, which imo, becomes too stressful & expensive ! But I think 4 in an eglu (not sure what you're thinking of?) isn't big enough.