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

[karamac]

Hi all,

I sadly had to have my lovely ex-batt, Mouse pts yesterday. She has peritonitis and then developed sour crop and she was very unwell indeed. Unfortunatley i am now left with a lone hen, Nelly, who used to get upset even when Mouse went inside to lay and would insist on standing with us in the kitchen until Mouse came out again.

 

I've added lots of things to the run (hanging cabbage, hidden meals worms etc) to try to distract Nelly as much as possible and am just trying out a mirror at the moment (although she seems particularly muddled by it).

I'm on the waiting list for a couple more ex-batties but they're not arriving until 30th.

 

I am at a complete loss to know what to do in the mean time- do i risk introducing another hen, only to have to put them through the stress ofit again when the ex-batts arrive, or do i keep on as i am with just Nelly and hope that she doesn't pine away?

 

Any thoughts most welcome!

karen

[Olly]

As it's only just over a week, I'd hang on - she will be a bit lonely but I doubt if she'll pine away totally during that time. When the ex-batts arrive, she will be completely distracted!

 

Sorry to hear about Mouse.

[Space Chick]

This may be a long shot, but Hen Rehomers are doing a rescue this weekend. You could see if you could get in contact with the local co-ordinator and see if someone who is rehoming would be prepared for you to have their ex batts and they could have yours on the 30th?

 

Where in the country are you?

 

So sorry to here about Mouse

[karamac]

Thanks v much. It was so upsetting to her like that- and now sooo quiet here . I've done introductions 2:2 but now a bit nervous about 2:1

Looking for a sooner rescue did cross my mind but sounded like a bit of a logistical nightmare- will have a look in a mo.

I'm near Southampton...

[Space Chick]

Just been on the Hen rehomers website. They say they have homes for all the girls they are rescuing this weekend, they have a Southampton base, still might be worth contacting them though.

 

http://www.henrehomers.net/

[Eggy-Bread]

Hi, I'm currently 'doing' a 2:1 introduction as, like you, Matilda was on her own when I had to have poor Ingrid pts. Matilda was on her own for approx 2 1/2 weeks and was ok. She's now a bit ruffled as Darcey and Gloria have come along but they all spent last night together (1st night) with no squabbles or flying feathers! I'm sure your girl will be fine and that intros will work out.

 

All the best

[karamac]

Oh that's very reassuring, thank you. I will just have to spoil her until then- i'm sure she'll be most upset by that!

Did you keep them separate but in sight of each other for a few weeks first, as you would 50:50 intros?

Thanks again

Rest in peace Mousey-hen x

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm so sorry to hear about poor Mouse . I hope you manage to get some new friends for her soon and the intros go well (I'm planning on a 2:3 intro soon ).

[Eggy-Bread]

I only got the new girls yesterday so it's a learning curve for me too. I have Darcey & Gloria (new) in a run - part of the Eglu run - inside of my new walk-in run so they can see each other during the day but not be in close contact. At night I have waited until Matilda has gone to bed then let the others out and ushered them into the eglu to join her. I then, acting on a tip, misted them with a weak vinegar solution so that they all have the 'same' scent. I'm then up early *groan* to let them all out (before they realise they're all together), get D & G back into their bit of the run and off we go again....

 

Do let me know how you get on/.

[kez]

I'm sorry to hear about poor Mouse. I'll be doing a 2:1 introduction in 2 1/2 weeks. My Melody passed away on Monday leaving Liberty on her own.

 

As usual, nothing is straight forward. We're going on hols in a week so knew we hadn't time for new intros. Luckily we've found someone nearby who is having Liberty in her Eglu and small run while we're away, so whe'll have lots of chickeny company.

 

Not looking forward to the intros, never had to do it before. As we don't have any other accomodation they will all be in together. Think I'll try the vinigar tip as well as crossing my fingers.

 

Good luck with your new ex-bats when they arrive.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'll be nicking that vinegar tip too - thanks .

[Ruskie]

Sorry to hear about Mouse. But interested to hear you live in Southampton. We live in Bassett. We have had our 2 girls, with an Eglu, since April and love them to bits. Maybe we can keep in touch in case any hen-sitting is needed and we could help each other out?