alih Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Ok, so now we have our wonderful WIR which I think is perfect for 5 chickens. It's 96 sq. ft. but they are in it pretty much all the time. We have 4 lovely girls at the moment who are between 1 1/2 and 2 years old. I am wondering what the best way to "enhance" the flock would be, knowing from experience that intros take time, but wanting to keep the egg supply fairly regular... do I:- a. get 2 more now and cope with 6 knowing the oldies probably won't lay too much longer, but then have to get another pair and go through more intros if I lose a couple over the winter (2 of mine are ex batts) b. keep the 4 then get 2/3 more when the next one goes off to chicken heaven c. wait until I only have 2 left and get 4 more in one go what would you experts do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 All are good options Me? I would go with A but then I am very impatient! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 So would I! For the same reason. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Hm, why did I have a feeling the Omleteers would go for option a? Prudence, where are you??!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 OK - speaking as the voice of reason do b) I can't work how if 96 sq ft is enough/loads but I do know that allowing them as much space as possible is the best thing to do - less illness, poo picking, pecking, changing bedding plus it keeps grass/whatever sweet for a longer time etc BTW....I fully expect to be ignored Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scramble Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I'm sorry Prudence is out right now; can her sister, Folly, be of service? Sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you Daphne x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 You are in much the same position as me . My 3 are about 2 years old and laying erratically so I wanted more girls to increase egg production. Prudence came along with me to choose my new girls, though, so I only got 2 more as my space really is only suitable for 5 max (they do free-range a fair bit. If I were you, I'd be too impatient to wait - once you've decided you want more, you just have to go for it . If you do get 2 now, it's not certain you'll lose any girls over the winter so you'll still have a good number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Ok ok...if I get 2 more now, I will have 6 chickens! Probably not for long as one of my batties has been getting tired and old recently... but am worried about introducing 2 to 4 as it's quite an outnumbered situation...by the way, I am not known for my patience so this is a struggle for me!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Our first intros were 2 to 6 ex batts and it was OK. Helped by the fact that the two newbies were already laying I think. They were only apart for a week before free ranging together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 I would get 2 now because they will lay all through the winter We always add a few new ones in summer (Carl's birthday is the excuse ) so that we have eggs all winter through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 Option 'A' for definite Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutrix Farmers Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 Blimey - too many choices for me!! I'd go with option A too, that way you guarantee egg production is fairly consistent. I'd only say wait if space was an issue which it clearly isn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted August 24, 2009 Author Share Posted August 24, 2009 Thanks all....am erring towards option b but may go to Garden Poultry "for a look" soon - will keep you updated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 pssst A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellekatz Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 'A' from me as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 Another A from me too! You do realise that once you go to Garden Poultry 6 will be a 'fait a compli'?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
