bridgy chooks Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 We picked up our legbar and welsummer pullets last night so thought I'd post a couple of pics There's also one of Maggi making a dustbath right on top of some flowers yesterday Excuse the temporary housing that I've built (adapted an old cupboard and managed to find some plasticote that almost matches the eglu and have resized our old wooden roosting bars!). They'll only be in it until I am happy that Maggi won't beat them up in the eglu! The new girls have the eglu run and Maggi is in the WIR. Just a quick question - how long should I quarantine them for before I start the intro. process? They are in separate bits of the garden at the moment but Maggi is chatting to them and they are replying. Is this a good sign?! Will be following the intro advice on here when the time comes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 The chatting is a normal thing. I don't know how long Maggi has been alone but she is just having a little chat with them. I would say if you don't have a walk in run then don't introduce them until the 2 new ones are able to free range. Then they will be able to get away just in case Maggi turns on them but you might get lucky and she might be so desperate for company she might accept them. When she is out does she spend a lot of time around their home. If so she is interested in getting to know them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 Love the converted cupboard, what a good idea. I thought omlet had brought out another new eglu when I saw the colour If it was me, I'd let them free range together after a week. They may surprise you and all go back to the WIR afterwards.If it's just the one hen you need to introduce them to it shouldn't be too difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridgy chooks Posted June 16, 2010 Author Share Posted June 16, 2010 Thanks. Just let Maggi (she's been on her own for 5 days) out to free range and she walked up to the run chatting and then went off to the flower border to dust bath. She doesn't seem bothered and neither do they. Will take it slowly though I think. The run will need moving in a few days so I will see how they are then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 Beautiful! First picture would make a wonderful caption competition!... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 I love the converted cupboard its and just the job If Maggi is on her own then she may well be more receptive to the newbies Keep them separate for a week for quarantine - its really best if Maggi cant get near them during this time Then try a bit of free ranging half an hour at a time after that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pikey Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 Gorgeous girls Agree with everyone in sense week to quarantine and then start them off free ranging. Make sure lots of access to food so they don't squabble over that. Enjoy ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 Congratulations they are great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickyhazel Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 I agree with everyone else - a week quarantine, a week worming where Magg can walk around the run but not get to them, then intros can begin. Maggi should be more accepting as she is on her own (but that isn't always the case) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoxy Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 Gorgeous girls...congratulations I have just integrated my latest two girls...Phoebe and Harriet...white star hybrids...they spent 2 weeks in the Eglu within the free-ranging area...it has proved to be my most successful integration...I didn't have to use the water sprayer once Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridgy chooks Posted June 18, 2010 Author Share Posted June 18, 2010 Thanks everyone. Maggi still seems quite content chatting to the new girls from her walk in run. Going to try some free ranging at the weekend as we'll have the time to watch them and that'll be almost a week since we got them. Gave the new girls some sweetcorn yesterday and they were really curious and couldn't work out how to eat it at first, funny chooks! I am surprised how tame they are, eating out of my hand already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
