binky28 Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 Hi Everyone . I am new to chickens and i am so excited !!! I am hoping to get some ex bat hens my name is on a waiting list and hopefully i will be getting some in a couple of weeks I am wanting to take a large area of my garden and am hoping on ideas on the best way to secure the chickens i.e an electric fence (netting ) Does anybody use one and are they good ? How high the chickens are likely to get ? How far a fox could jump off a fence and over the chickens enclosure i.e a metre ? My other debate is if to get my full capacity of ex bat hens or get some other chickens that i know will be good layers incase the retired girls can't perform on the egg side of things ? What are your experiences ? i hope to have 8 - 10 girls . I also have 2 golden retrievers and 2 kids who are also excited about chickens xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 I know that Hen Rehomers are still looking for homes for their 22nd August rescue of ex batts. A friend of mine lost a girl to an electric fence, and has now done a double fence. I know a lot of people use a fox watch. Foxes are very cunning and can jump at least 6 ft fences, so do not underestimate them. I know myself and other Omleteers only have supervised free-ranging Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*mummy_hen* Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 We have an enclosed run which they can use in the day, they then get to free range when we are home but not unsupervised. Foxes can climb very high boundaries and i would not like to guess what their max would be. I would suggest if you are getting ex-batts and other breeds of hens not to put them in together. Ex-batts will be very weak and need a fair well to get used to 'normal' hen life and build up strength before having to go through the stress of a pecking order with stronger hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky28 Posted July 13, 2009 Author Share Posted July 13, 2009 Thanks . i think you are absolutely right . perhaps i will make a run and only let them free range when i am home. I was thinking they would enjoy more freedom even when i am not around. I am not sure if foxes will even be a problem where i live but assume you have to always assume they are around !!what is a fox watch ? I know that Hen Rehomers are still looking for homes for their 22nd August rescue of ex batts. A friend of mine lost a girl to an electric fence, and has now done a double fence. I know a lot of people use a fox watch. Foxes are very cunning and can jump at least 6 ft fences, so do not underestimate them. I know myself and other Omleteers only have supervised free-ranging Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky28 Posted July 13, 2009 Author Share Posted July 13, 2009 ok thank you x We have an enclosed run which they can use in the day, they then get to free range when we are home but not unsupervised. Foxes can climb very high boundaries and i would not like to guess what their max would be. I would suggest if you are getting ex-batts and other breeds of hens not to put them in together. Ex-batts will be very weak and need a fair well to get used to 'normal' hen life and build up strength before having to go through the stress of a pecking order with stronger hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare L Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 We are getting two ex-batts and two omlet hens. I figure we should have a couple of eggs every day from the omlet hens, so wont mind too much if the ex-batts decide on a lazy retirement. We are picking up our ex-batts this Saturday and they will live in a borrowed Eglu until the following Thursday when our new cube and two omlet girls arrive. They will then all move in together that night....the advice is to then let them out in a small free-range area the next day and as much as possible over the next few days so they dont fight too much The ex-batts welfare person said that it was an ideal way to introduce ex-batts as they will have 5 days to regain a bit of strength and confidence before meeting the other hens. As they will be all new to the cube, they should not be at a disadvantage and if anything they will pick on the omlet girls. So fingers crossed it will work out....in the end! As for foxes - we have got a couple of fox watches in place and will only let them free range when we are around. Hopefully they will work. Good luck with your hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky28 Posted July 13, 2009 Author Share Posted July 13, 2009 Oh good luck for saturday !! what is a fox watch please ? We are getting two ex-batts and two omlet hens. I figure we should have a couple of eggs every day from the omlet hens, so wont mind too much if the ex-batts decide on a lazy retirement. We are picking up our ex-batts this Saturday and they will live in a borrowed Eglu until the following Thursday when our new cube and two omlet girls arrive. They will then all move in together that night....the advice is to then let them out in a small free-range area the next day and as much as possible over the next few days so they dont fight too much The ex-batts welfare person said that it was an ideal way to introduce ex-batts as they will have 5 days to regain a bit of strength and confidence before meeting the other hens. As they will be all new to the cube, they should not be at a disadvantage and if anything they will pick on the omlet girls. So fingers crossed it will work out....in the end! As for foxes - we have got a couple of fox watches in place and will only let them free range when we are around. Hopefully they will work. Good luck with your hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 It is a device that makes a sound that foxes hate. I am trying to find a link to one, but am failing at the moment. It can affect dogs though, so I haven't got one, and as you have dogs it may not be ideal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky28 Posted July 14, 2009 Author Share Posted July 14, 2009 It is a device that makes a sound that foxes hate.AHH sounds good but yes i think the dogs wouldn't like that !! I am trying to find a link to one, but am failing at the moment. It can affect dogs though, so I haven't got one, and as you have dogs it may not be ideal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CluckyBucks Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Hello, Foxes can be very good diggers as well as jumpers. So make sure that the fencing is at least one or two feet in the ground to ensure that the fox cannot dig its way into the enclosure. And well done for taking on ex battery hens, good for you Greatest of luck. xx xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 We are getting two ex-batts and two omlet hens. I figure we should have a couple of eggs every day from the omlet hens, so wont mind too much if the ex-batts decide on a lazy retirement. We are picking up our ex-batts this Saturday and they will live in a borrowed Eglu until the following Thursday when our new cube and two omlet girls arrive. They will then all move in together that night....the advice is to then let them out in a small free-range area the next day and as much as possible over the next few days so they dont fight too much The ex-batts welfare person said that it was an ideal way to introduce ex-batts as they will have 5 days to regain a bit of strength and confidence before meeting the other hens. As they will be all new to the cube, they should not be at a disadvantage and if anything they will pick on the omlet girls. So fingers crossed it will work out....in the end! As for foxes - we have got a couple of fox watches in place and will only let them free range when we are around. Hopefully they will work. Good luck with your hens. Personally I would leave them apart totally for a lot longer than 5 days. My own ex batts were as weak as kittens when they first arrived, and couldn't even negotiate a little step no more than 3" high in the garden. They would never have 'held their own' against the healthy girls. It was a good month before they were strong enough to free range with the others. Article on managing intros **here**. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 I agree with Egluntine, our ex batts were a good 4 - 6 weeks before they had rebuilt their strength. I would say 5 days is far too soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare L Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Thanks guys for letting me know. I agree with Egluntine, our ex batts were a good 4 - 6 weeks before they had rebuilt their strength. I would say 5 days is far too soon.. That has made me think now....they seemed pretty sure at the wefare trust that a short intro when there is no established flock and only two others at point of lay would be fine if not perfect. But if you both have very different experiences then maybe I should think again. Not sure what to do now...hmmm Maybe I would be better getting a few more omlet girls/other point of lay hens at the same time and getting ex-batts another time.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare L Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Oh good luck for saturday !! what is a fox watch please Here is a link to the place that we got our fox watch from - they are also the cheapest: http://www.primrose-london.co.uk/foxwatch-p-1722.html?source=googleads&gclid=CMGGr-OK1ZsCFUYA4wodjENFKg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 re the netting type electric fence: I have found ours to be very good, and when we did lose 3 girls to a fox it was because he was getting in underneath it - we hadnt pegged it to the ground enough. so now it is like stalag 19! with tentpegs every 4 inches or so, and now nothing - he took a bite one night, but did not get in. they are easy to repair, esp if you have a handy OH. I know foxes will climb something rigid, but the advantage of the electric netting is that there is nothing to get a purchase on to climb - as soon as you put any weight on it it bends, and therefore foxy will get a shock. if you choose an electric fence make sure there are no overhanging branches fox could use as a launching pad, and put your henhouse far enough from the sides so the chooks cant do the same thing! and remember, it needs to be switched on 24/7. good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Thanks guys for letting me know. I agree with Egluntine, our ex batts were a good 4 - 6 weeks before they had rebuilt their strength. I would say 5 days is far too soon.. That has made me think now....they seemed pretty sure at the wefare trust that a short intro when there is no established flock and only two others at point of lay would be fine if not perfect. But if you both have very different experiences then maybe I should think again. Not sure what to do now...hmmm Maybe I would be better getting a few more omlet girls/other point of lay hens at the same time and getting ex-batts another time.... We had our established girls for 10 months and 3 months - rather than POL, when we got our ex batts, so am only going on what my experience is. However, knowing the state ex batts come in - I don't think I would even mix with POL until they had built some of their strength/re feathered Sorry if I've confused you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare L Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 We had our established girls for 10 months and 3 months - rather than POL, when we got our ex batts, so am only going on what my experience is. However, knowing the state ex batts come in - I don't think I would even mix with POL until they had built some of their strength/re feathered Sorry if I've confused you. I would rather know what I am getting into, so thanks for confusing me! We decided to get ex-batts as the BHWF were pretty sure there would not be a problem with a short introduction. I am not really wanting a long drawn out intro because these are our first hens and I really want it all to run as smoothly as possible so my two little boys can get on with getting used to them/getting the hens friendly without separate houses/runs etc. etc. Do you know, if I was to get other POL hens from somewhere different but on the same day as the omlet hens, could I put them in together straight away, or would they also have to be separated?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky28 Posted July 15, 2009 Author Share Posted July 15, 2009 Hi so are you thinking on not getting the ex batts now then ? i reckon the omlet hens and other normal ones could all go in at the same time as they would all establish a new pecking order from the start ( don't quote me though i am novice like you !!) all i can think about is chickens at the moment - i am as excited as i am at xmas hehe We had our established girls for 10 months and 3 months - rather than POL, when we got our ex batts, so am only going on what my experience is. However, knowing the state ex batts come in - I don't think I would even mix with POL until they had built some of their strength/re feathered Sorry if I've confused you. I would rather know what I am getting into, so thanks for confusing me! We decided to get ex-batts as the BHWF were pretty sure there would not be a problem with a short introduction. I am not really wanting a long drawn out intro because these are our first hens and I really want it all to run as smoothly as possible so my two little boys can get on with getting used to them/getting the hens friendly without separate houses/runs etc. etc. Do you know, if I was to get other POL hens from somewhere different but on the same day as the omlet hens, could I put them in together straight away, or would they also have to be separated?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 We had our established girls for 10 months and 3 months - rather than POL, when we got our ex batts, so am only going on what my experience is. However, knowing the state ex batts come in - I don't think I would even mix with POL until they had built some of their strength/re feathered Sorry if I've confused you. Do you know, if I was to get other POL hens from somewhere different but on the same day as the omlet hens, could I put them in together straight away, or would they also have to be separated?? If you are getting them on the same day they should be fine - you might find there are minor squabbles whilst they sort themselves out, but shouldn't be anything too drastic. If you can, I would put them in together for the first time at bedtime, then they all come out of the cube together the next morning. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare L Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I spoke to someone else at the BHWT and they said that it was not an ideal situation, and probably best FOR US (not everyone) to either get all battery hens or all POL at the minute and think about adding ex-batts at a later date if we want to. So have decided on all POL - we are now getting 2 Gingernut Rangers and two from Cotswold Chickens - probably Amber Lees or Bluebelles or one of each. We will get them either than same day or first thing the following day - depending on what time the cube is due to arrive. I feel really sad, as I was really excited about getting our ex-batt hens on Saturday, but they have a waiting list of people wanting hens on Saturday so, they will be going to another good home! I am also so excited and like you cannot think about anything other than chickens! I think it is driving my OH around the bend, but he is also excited in a man sort of non-obsessional way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I think the BHWT advised you well - so when do your chickens and cube arrive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare L Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I think the BHWT advised you well - so when do your chickens and cube arrive? A week today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I think the BHWT advised you well - so when do your chickens and cube arrive? A week today Only 7 more sleeps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 welcome to the forum and good luck with your girls. as for mixing them up together i did and had no problems what so ever. i had a leghorn and a sussex hybrid first, two days later i got a silkie bantam, i then inherited two light sussex a month after that. i just chucked them in together and they settled really well. all of the birds had come from larger groups and so were used to sharing quarters and all were young birds which i think helped.... most importantly of all is once the birds arrive you must ensure good camera angles and lighting we all want to see pictures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare L Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Well we went off to Cotswold chickens to check the place out - the plan being that if we were happy with the hens and the breeds we would go back next week immediatelly after the omlet hens/cube arrived to get two more. Anyhow, the Amber Lees were so cute and the lady said that as they are only 16 weeks old, they would be better being with us for a few days before the larger Gingernut Rangers arrived to find their feet a bit. So we got two . They seem to have settled into their temporary home and have just gone to bed. Fingers crossed for their introductions next week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
