JB09 Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Hi all, I currently have two omlet girls and would like to add a few bantams to my flock.... a) is this possible? what with the difference in size initially, will my hybrids not attack smaller birds? b) assuming A is possible, what would be the best way to introduce them? I have heard that by putting them into the eglu at night, when they wake in the morning and see a new face, there is not that much fuss... Now I am not naive and have kept my two girls for a while now, so don't think somehow it is going to be that easy! Some advice would be greatly appreciated... JB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 I have bantams living with hybrids but the intros have to be taken slowly. I am currently introducing 4 bantams and a LF Australorp to my lot. The 5 have been living in a cube and run within my WIR for about 5 weeks now. They won't be allowed together for at least another 3 to 4 weeks. However, that is mainly because the 5 are only around 18 weeks old. I have their feeders and drinkers hanging either side of the cube run so that they can feed together and drink together and hopefully the intros won't be too difficult as a result. Normally I'd take about 4 weeks for intros and I know that this is a long time but my lot do get on with only very rare scuffles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megghen Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 hi there! i agree with janty. It is worth taking time over to avoid the bullying. If you can give them all as much space as possible when you first introduce them together that will help as its so important that they can run away from each other if they feel threatened. i once had a little hen cornered by one of my others and was shocked by how nasty she was - i really think she would have pecked the newer one to death had i not intervened as the newer one had gone into the submissive mode and couldnt escape (they are part of the same flock now with no bullying!! ) if they get used to each other being around before they go in together tat should make it easier - best of luck and enjoy your new girls (im really excited i got a gorgeous new girl yesterday am in process of introducing her to my other 7 - they can see her but thats all!)all the best megghen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
