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

[Sarahsausage]

I only have two ex-batts left now and would like to get a couple more but I'm dreading introducing them to each other! I'm not sure if I can separate them in my run, it's only 6ft x 6ft. Do you think I should definately keep them separate at first, I guess I could try and divide the run but I only have one coop so they will still have to sleep together at night. I let my chickens free-range when I get home from work so I guess the can all come out together? Also, from others experience, how long did it take until you can allow them to mix together? I think I would have to take a couple of days off work to keep an eye on them! Gosh I'm dreading this!

[Space Chick]

Having done 2 sets of introductions, including 1 set of ex batts, I would recommend that you do find a way to separate and follow the instructions under the Chickens FAQs.

 

Slow and steady is definitely the best approach

[Egluntyne]

Article on managing intros **here**.

 

If you could borrow another Eglu/coop it will be much easier to manage.

[Sarahsausage]

Thank you, that's been really helpful....best get looking for a spare rabbit hutch or something!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I bought a pet carrier from Argos for under £15 and it worked brilliantly. My run is only slightly bigger than yours and I did split it which worked really well. I know it depends on your setup though, whether it's practicable.

 

I've a photo of my split run, if it would help .

[Sarahsausage]

Your run looks wonderful ANH! I'm going to borrow my sisters portable rabbit run and try and find an old hutch or something, I'm sure it'll work out in the end but I'm quite nervous about the whole thing! I hate seeing chickens pecking at each other, little tinkers!

[Clur]

My run's not massive, but I got three newbies last Saturday to keep our lone chook company. I've separated the run halfway down with chicken wire and the new girls have a recycling box to sleep in (though they prefer to perch on top of it).

 

I'm going to start tucking them all in the eglu at night from tonight or tomorrow, and do that for a week or so before letting them free range all together under supervision. I'lll then do that for a couple of weeks or so before I risk taking down the barrier in the run. I'm planning on it taking up to 6 weeks before they're comfy enough with one another, but will see how it goes!

 

I was veeery nervous about intros, but have had some good advice on here so thought I'd go for it