LittleOwl Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 Being new to keeping chickens, we really would appreciate some advice and thoughts please. After trying to get some ex-batts for months we eventually gave up 12 days ago and bought some 18 week olds - 6 girlies and 1 cockerel. We have a cube with a metre extension, and so far they are very happy there, despite the dreadful weather we have had non-stop since they came to live with us!! We have a puppy and a dog, and haven't let them free range yet until everyone is used to each other and we know the dogs won't chase them, and also when the weather is a little better, but the couple of times we've opened the door some of them have only pottered outside for a few minutes but they're not exactly making a break for freedom!! Anyway, this afternoon a guy knocked on our door and said he had heard we wanted some hens. He has 5 that have been being badly worried by 2 dogs from the village and are having a dreadful time. He has tried everything he can but feels it's kinder for them to go. He will kill them if he doesn't find them a home very soon as he feels they have no quality of life They are 1 year olds, a couple of marans and 3 light sussex. We know someone who may well take a couple. Our question is, would it be a stupid idea to take some of these hens now at this point? We know the cube can take 10 and we have 7, but everything is harmonious at the moment....would it be asking for trouble to add some more, older ones, to the mix? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 I think its asking for trouble sorry Threatening to cull the chooks unless a home can be found is emotional blackmail and not fair on you, people looking for new homes for chooks often have another motive such as noise, disease or bullying problems too though your chap could be 100% genuine of course My reasons for saying its a bad idea are: The one year olds will be stronger than your lot and despite the cockerel there may be bullying problems A separate home will be needed for the new ones for a while which you will need to buy/borrow, they cannot all go in together until careful introductions are over - this will be quicker with a cockerel but may still take up to a month or so The cube can take 10 but the run cannot, even with an extension there wouldnt be room for even a couple more, dont forget yours will fill out I would relax and settle into a good routine with your lot then decide in your leisure when to add to your flock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 A separate home will be needed for the new ones for a while which you will need to buy/borrow, they cannot all go in together until careful introductions are over - this will be quicker with a cockerel but may still take up to a month or so The cube can take 10 but the run cannot, even with an extension there wouldnt be room for even a couple more, dont forget yours will fill out I would relax and settle into a good routine with your lot then decide in your leisure when to add to your flock Can't add to the great advice given above I'm afraid, agree that you should stick with what you have got for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky1 Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 Hi Littleowl, welcome to chicken keeping. My guess is that your post will spark a few replies once people settle down after the festivities. Just my 2 cents. I know Omlet say 10 in a cube but that is quite snug, especially if they do not FR for most of the time. If you have additional accomodation, it would be a "straight forward" introduction. Unless I've misread, you just have the cube, on balance then I'd so no don't do it. If you decide to go ahead anyway, I'd suggest putting the additions in at night, and give everyone a spray of diluted vinegar so they all smell the same. The problem with this though is that there is no Plan B, short of standing guard with a water pistol Best of luck whatever you decide. Ps Redwing beat me to the post and I think they sum it up very well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 They would be lovely to have but make sure he gives you a house and run if you do. Like Redwing says a run and extension is not enough room for them all. It's a shame he didn't come a few weeks ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleOwl Posted December 26, 2009 Author Share Posted December 26, 2009 Thanks everyone. I think it just confirms what we thought Yes, it's a shame he ddn't turn up a couple of weeks ago. However, we do love our little flock already! We do believe this guy is genuine in what he says....we know of the guy with the dogs he says are attacking the hens...we have seen him walk the dogs up our private drive (offlead) sometimes and have seen his dogs roaming around the village. We have to keep ours onlead because of him if we're there - he seems to think he is some kind of Lord of the Manor because he owns a lot of the property there We know we will get more chooks at some point, and are planning a walk-in run very soon for when we are out, but we want to take things at the right pace, and our feathery family takes priority. We have been in touch with the guy who wanted a couple (he'd said if we ever managed to get some ex-batts he'd like a couple too) amd asked if he could take 5. I suspect I'll be on here with TONS of questions in the next few weeks.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I agree with all that has been said. These older hens might bring disease as well as very likely beating your new hens up. I'd get a bit more chicken keeping experience before taking on any more hens anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
