Unsecure chicken perches

[veggiemad]

Hi

we already have 3 ex batts - rescued 30.8.09. i am now planning a WIR and hence there will be lots more room for more rescues - whichi i would love-thinking of about 4-5 more. I've read about the intros etc and have decided to section off half the WIR with an eglu classic/ cube for the newbies- however am still VERY nervous and not sure if its the best idea to get any more and my 3 seem very settled now, and i dont want to upset them.plus it took them a good 2 weeks to settle into the pecking order when they arrived.

 

any one had 2 lots of ex batts that have got on eventually?

[peggotty]

Hi

 

I have introduced 2 small sets of ex-batts to each other. I had 2 in my 'old' flock (from an original 4), with a very established leader, and adopted 3 more, also with an obvious leader.

 

I did despair at first, because after keeping them separate for a week, whenever I tried freeranging them together in the garden, the 2 leaders would actively search each other out and have a pitched battle. I really didn't think they would ever get on. But I followed advice from here, and used the divide and conquer method - I only let one leader out at a time except for occasional trial meetings, but I mixed all the other hens up with them every day, putting them in different runs etc and after 3 weeks it was like a miracle, one hen just backed down completely. Still got no idea why really!

 

Still all playing happy families now, although there is a very clear pecking order.

So good luck to you if you do decide to go for it - and I am envious of your walk in run!

[Lydia]

I know what you mean exactly. You question whether you want to upset your happy little troup etc. However, it does get easier the more intros you do and it would be a shame to have so much space and not give a chance to a few more girlies.

 

I've introduced 6 sets of ex-batts to other established ex-batts (if you see what I mean) over the last 3 years and I still get the "am I doing the right thing?" feelings. But I really think I am and it always works out.

 

Most ex-batts though are as OK as other hens about intros eventually. As with any intro, take it slow and monitor it. It will be fine in the end.

 

Good luck.

[HappyhenSG]

I got my first 4 ex bats in Nov 08, followed by another 4 in Sept 09. They have a large walk in run which I temporarily divided in half when I got the second batch. Each group had their own eglu. Within just 3 days the new ones had jumped over the divide and were getting along just fine with the other girls. Now, despite still having access to both eglus, all 6 girls (2 have sadly died) sleep together in one eglu!

 

They all free range happily together when they do get out, with only the usual squabbles over the juiciest worms

 

I'd say go for it. You can't have too many chooks!!

[scrambledhead]

We introduced 2 ex barnies to our 2 ex bats in November and it went really well, all were sleeping in the Eglu after 3 weeks and free ranging from week 1, definitely go for it and just take the intros slowly!

[mostin]

It always feels as if you are rocking the boat when you get new chooks but it will be ok in the end. Just take it slow and let them find their new order. Just think of the wonderful home you have to offer those other girls .

[sandyhas3chucks]

slowly slowly long as it takes.

Best way to go IMO