MaxBaz Posted March 31, 2010 Share Posted March 31, 2010 It's been ages since I last wrote - little Edwina (she was two and a half) had been ill for a couple of weeks and sadly she died in the night. It was however expected - she had some internal nasty which was treated with Baylin(?) and also Panacur and I had some Nystatin on order for a secondary problem of Sour Crop. I was hand feeding her with a syringe a couple of times a day as she wasn't eating/drinking of her own accord for the last week or so. The other three girls are absolutely fine - they were wormed with Flubenvet as a matter of precaution. My dilemma is whether or not I go straight out and buy another two/three while the pecking order is re-adjusting itself OR wait for a couple of weeks to make sure there is no disease/nasties still working through the others? As always - I welcome your thoughts/suggestions. I have a 100ft run I could keep the new ones in until they get "accepted" it is more the issue of any health problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted March 31, 2010 Share Posted March 31, 2010 So sorry to hear about Edwina. It's always sad to lose a hen, even if you were expecting it. My recommendations for introducing new hens, is that new girls should be quarantined for a few weeks anyway, to make sure they aren't bringing any nasties to your flock, or vice versa (voice of experience here as I nearly lost my Muggle to something the Araucanas brought with them). Once you're sure the new hens are healthy, slow but sure introductions are the best way to go. There are some very good links on the forum for how to go about introducing new hens. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaxBaz Posted April 7, 2010 Author Share Posted April 7, 2010 Now for the update! Got four new girls on Good Friday - so exciting! Bought an Eglu Go and it is very nearby the original Cube with the original three girls (all two and half years old). the Newbies are still finding their feet but I have taken note of all the advise and will keep them in the Go for another week or so - but let the hens freerange around them. there is a LOT of crowing and calling and noise......puffed feathers and waggling heads from inside and outside the cage. When I DO eventually let them out - should introduce them to the two less dominant older hens - ie keep the most agressive older hen in her Cube, so the Newbies can gradually get to mix? So sad last week when I lost Edwina - but how can you be miserable when you have four 18 week old "babies" to fuss over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathybc Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 sorry to hear about Edwina but glad your new girls are cheering you up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
