2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[The Nikiel Family]

Hi everyone.

 

We became the proud owners of two hybrid birds from Omlet around two and a half years ago. All's been well (with the usual ups and downs!) until last spring when Barbara stopped laying. She appeared absolutely fine (albeit, with no eggs!) until the last week or so, when she started appearing quite frail. Unfortunately I found she had passed away over night on Friday, leaving her mate, Betty.

 

The Nikiel family are undecided as to what to do next. We had the idea that we'd buy bantams next as we understand that they'd make less mess in the garden (in the borders!). Does anyone know whether we'd be able to introduce bantams with Betty? Would it be safer to bring in just one, or could we bring in three new birds at the same time? I've read elsewhere that a good way of introducing new birds is to wait until the existing bird(s) are in bed, then 'place' the new one(s) next to her (and keep everything crossed)! What do people think?

 

I'm assuming that leaving Betty on her own is a no no?

 

Finally, we live in Welwyn, Herts...does anyone know of bantam or hybrid breeders around here?

 

Thanks in anticipation.

 

The Nikiel's

[Space Chick]

Sorry to hear about Barbara

 

Betty will need some new friends, if you are thinking of bantams then maybe some Pekins as they are quite feisty, and you could introduce 3, although you will need seperate accomodation initially.

 

Good luck

[BarbaraJ]

Hi ,

i'm in Stevenage your best bet around here would be to try Thornes http://www.thornespoultrycentre.co.uk/

 

 

when did they get a website ??

[Chicken Shirl]

Sorry about Barbara. RIP little girl. {hugs for you and your family}

[Plum]

Sorry to hear you lost Barbara.

I would get bantams but take loads of time with introductions and I would wait until they are mature to introduce them to the run.

 

Good luck whatever you do.

[tom123]

So sorry

 

If you would like bantams then I would advise not getting Pekins as they are only feisty(genrally) when they were there first!

 

I would go for a couple of miniatures like bantam Light Sussex, Orpington, Maran, RIR etc. as these will be bigger than a true bantam (pekin etc.)

 

Tom

[Redwing]

Sorry to hear about Barbara

 

I second Thornes as a good place to get chickens from, they have a good range of pure breeds and hybrids

 

I also second Toms suggestion of miniatures

 

Thornes sell barred Wyandotte bantams.....not that I am biased in favour of them or anything..

[tom123]

Forgot Wyandotte bantams! They're the best and you can get them in every colour imaginable But the best ones are Barred obviously

[The Nikiel Family]

Thanks everyone. We ended up going to Thornes (fantastic place and VERY helpful!) and purchased two bantams (a Dutch and a Chilean!). The intro has been interesting!...Betty was very agressive, but a couple weeks on, has calmed down a bit. Juana still gets a good pecking so we have refrained from keeping them all in the run together (they seem okay at night) and just let them free range each day.

 

We have just notice this week that Betty has started eating her own eggs. Could this be to do with the intro of our new ladies? Unfortunately, she appears to start eating it straight after laying. She's never done this before so we're a little confused!

 

If anyone has any advice, all thoughts welcome!

 

Thanks in advance!

 

The Nikiel family