KateP Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Sadly poor Roxanne died earlier this week from peritonitis. I was so upset as she was secretly my favourite I wasn't planning on getting any more hens at the moment as I didn't want the stress of introductions (I'm currently 5 1/2 months pregnant). However, Donna has seemed very miserable on her own and I decided it wasn't fair not to get any more hens. Today I went and bought a Speckledy and and Amber Star from our local poultry suppliers. I've split the run into two with bamboo canes - Donna at one end and the new girls at the other. I have got temporary sleeping accommodation for the new girls. Has any one got any tips on how to manage introductions? How long is it before I dare let them mix - or do I just see how it goes? Donna is currently furious and is pacing up and down and trying to peck the new girls every time they go near the bars! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Sounds like you are doing everything right so far. Have a look at this sticky viewtopic.php?f=42&t=25886 I have used it a couple of times and have had no problems. I think in total is takes me 8 weeks to get everyone living together happily but I do take it VERY slow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Sorry about Roxanne . I'd take it as slowly as you possibly can. Try feeding corn or treats either side of the barrier so they can eat together without Donna getting at them. You could let them out together after a week or so and see how it goes. I bought a very cheap plant sprayer and when I saw Maisie attack my new girls I gave her a good squirt. You may find that as it's 2 to 1, Donna may feel outnumbered and it won't be so bad but it's hard to say for sure. After a while and if you feel they're getting on better, you could try putting them in the eglu once they're all well and truly sleepy. Spraying them with weak vinegar solution apparently helps (makes them all smell similar) but I've not tried that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateP Posted September 26, 2009 Author Share Posted September 26, 2009 Thank you both for the advice, it's very helpful. I'm just going to have to keep an eye on things. It all seems to get worse when I go outside or when Donna sees me watching from the window! Hopefully she will be happier once she has calmed down and she realises that it's better than being on her own! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clur Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I'm introducing three newbies to my lonesome hen and it's going so much better than I could have hoped for. In part I think it's because Dilys is pleased of some company. After a week we started putting them all in the eglu at night and separating them in the morning (though DH forgot to shut the eglu door last night so they were happily roaming around eating Dilys' food). They are free-ranging under supervision and there was only one time we waded in with the hose, the rest of the time Dilys lets them know who's boss but they all get on now the young upstarts have learnt their place. This has been over two weeks which I think is remarkably quick as I was prepared for it to take 6 weeks or so. I'm probably going to take down the run barrier Thursday as I'm working from home and can monitor them. It's not been nearly as painful as I thought, so hope your intros go as well. You've definitely done the right thing in getting her companions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
