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

[alligg]

Hi everyone

 

We have just ordered our chicken coop and it will be here in a couple of days.I had chickens when I was younger and I can honestly say i'm more excited this time round.i've been looking on the breeds section and I like the idea of gingernut rangers,i've been trying to find someone in my area (Lincoln) that sells them but not having much luck.

I would really appreciate any help/advice as obviously its been a while since having hens.is it better to have even numbers or would 3 be ok? we also thought of rehoming some battery hens,has anyone done this?

also we have 2 cats,1 is a real wimp so wont be a problem the other is a bit more bold,do they tend to get on ok?

 

thanks in advance for your support.

 

Alli

[moochoo]

I can't help with locating a breeder in your area but it may help to know that the Gingernut Ranger is the same breed as Warrens, Goldlines, Gold Stars, etc

Hope you have more luck.

[Redwing]

Three is an ideal number of hens to start with so you are spot on

 

As already said lots of places have different names for the ginger hens, Warren is the most recognised

 

The cats will probably be more scared of the chickesn but let them get to know each other throgh the safety of the run mesh first, if you go for ex batts do keep them protected from the cats as they dont have the strength of a normal chook to start with

[Space Chick]

My cat and chickens have an equal contempt for each other. They will walk past each other without acknowledging the other

 

The only time its an issue is if I'm sitting in the garden and both Thomas (the cat) and Donna (my most affectionate chook) want a cuddle on my lap at the same time. Neither are prepared to share me. Usually Donna wins!

[alison]

My three Burmese just lie in the sun in the run, they don't take any notice of the chickens to my surprise, as they frequently catch magpies and huge collared pigeons.

 

The chickens don't notice them either!

[alligg]

thanks for your advice its much appreciated,i'm really looking forward to getting my hens now,I was jumping around like a little kid last night when they confirmed the order for the coop