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

[Busybird]

We have now returned from our week's camping and want to prepare for getting 2 new hens. Our established girls are 2 years old and we want to get a couple of POL hybrids (still to source). What sort of housing could we realistically use for introductions? Please bear in mind that I am incapable of DIY.

 

Would a pet carrier in the existing run do (it is a 3m Eglu run) if I divided the run with netting?

 

If I could borrow one then would a rabbit hutch do (worried about safety from foxes)?

 

If I cannot borrow a pet carrier or a rabbit hutch would they be okay in a box in the shed (worried that they won't 'get to know' the oldies if they don't live side by side)?

 

Any advice / suggestions gratefully received

[Olly]

You need somewhere for them during the day, but can you put them in with the existing hens at night? They tend to be a bit dopey and more accepting after dark, and that way they will get used to the smell of each other. It does mean a bit of work on your part to get them in and out of the Eglu, although that's getting easier as the days get shorter.

 

That way you only need somewhere for the day - a pet carrier or a cardboard box will do as a nest-box, provided it's in a safe place. Could you divide the Eglu run, I've seen someone do this with garden canes poked through the mesh to make a barrier?

It will be awkward for you in terms of putting feeders in, letting your existing hens in and out to free-range etc, but saves having to create new housing.

[katieD]

ive got my 2 new girls in the eglu run with 2 large carry cages to sleep in. my cube comes tomorrow so once thats here im going to start putting them together to sleep to let them get used to each other then in the eglu and run in the day.

 

good luck x