4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[poachedegg]

Poppy, one of ex batts, is the only one who hasn't completely feathered up and still has a bit of a floppy comb, is still getting picked (not as much as before). So your thoughts would be appreciated on whether, instead of getting 3 new chickens for the eglu, is to put her in there with 2 newbies, rather than leaving her in the Cube - they would all still freerange together (supervised only).......however would I be just setting her up for a whole load of new issues?

 

[atsw]

That's not a bad plan. We had a slightly different situation last year, but with similar circumstances. We lost Tulip in the middle of last summer, leaving Ffi (our top chook) on her own.

 

She's always been a very social chicken. By August she went into full moult and was clearly not a happy chicken being without feathers and without friends. So, we brought home two Buff Orpington's that were hatched April of last year. Ffif was such a happy chicken to have company again. We put the new Orps in the Eglu and run, with Fifi outside in the garden with a temporary box shelter (she's too old to lay eggs, so no need for formal nesting quarters).

 

At night we put Fifi back in the Eglu through the egg port, taking her out again at first light. We only had to do this for two or three days, after that they seems to be getting on fine with no signs of aggression so we let them roam the garden together. As dusk fell they all put themselves back in the Eglu. The three have been firm friends ever since.

 

Andrew

[Tweety]

I would leave her where she is, as long as she is not being injured by your other hens. Unfortunately, there is always going to be someone at the bottom of the pecking order, and it looks as if it is poor Poppy. There is no guarantee that things would be any better with 2 new chickens, and she would have to go through the introduction process, which can be horrible. I hope things improve for her.

[Redwing]

its not a bad idea, i plan to do a similar thing with one of mine, just be sure the ones going in with her won't be too big or strong for her, if she is on home turf though she should have the upper hand

[poachedegg]

mmmm.....divided opinion.

[sandyhas3chucks]

I had 3 2 picked violently on one.

I have to say geting her her own best friend ws the best thingI ever did for her.

I often have diveded sleeping run & combined free ranging, works ok... (I wouldn't leave them for fear of Mr Fox anyway.

Def. divided opinions

[poachedegg]

So, if I was to do this - do I do introductions in the usual way? Or just put Poppy in the eglu at night?

 

I am struggling to see how I would introduce 1 to 3 when I have 7 others - maybe I am just being a bit dim!!!