Mrs

[Bertrum]

Our preparations are gathering pace and the day of Hen parenthood draws nearer. We were all set for a couple of Gingernut Rangers to go in an Eglu classic with a standard run, but then our neighbour went and got a Speckledy which we think is lovely. So does the collective wisdom of the Forum think that one Gingernut Ranger and one Speckledy would make good run mates?

 

Thanks in advance.

[migsy]

Yes, except it would be better if you get them from the same place so that they already know each other and don't fight.

[Bertrum]

Thanks Migsy. They would be both coming from the same place (Durham Hens - our neighbour bought from there and his hens are very good).

[Egluntyne]

I've got both in my flock, and they get on well.

[chickyhazel]

I recommend you get at least 3, so that if 1 dies you won't be left with a lone hen. and Speckeledy together should be fine.

[Fur 'n' Feathers]

We've had this combination in amongst 4 & the speckeldy & became particular friends. Our experience is that speckeldy hens can be very docile 7 tend to be towards the bottom of a pecking order in a flock. Having from the same breeder is definately an advantage.

 

Whatever you get .... you'll want more!

All the best with them.

[Bertrum]

That seems to be sorted then until we get to the breeders and see another one that takes our fancy and end up with two totally different birds.

 

Alas chickyhazel, we would love to have more than 2, but we simply cannot make the space for the extra few feet of run. It is either 2 hens or no hens, and I'm sure given that choice we are doing the right thing.

We are hoping that:

• Our hens are immortal

• They both die together

• We can make a success of one on one introductions

I think the first two options are unlikely however.

 

Thanks for the replies, you have given us great confidence.

[migsy]

I've got 3 in an Eglu Go which is the same size as the classic with a standard run. 3 is fine. They get on really well and are very happy!

[Bertrum]

How much time do they spend in the run Migsy? We would only be able to allow free ranging when supervised and it could be days on end that they have to remain in the Eglu run. I was under the impression that three in the standard run in these conditions would be too much of a squeeze.

[migsy]

They free range a lot now but I went away for 3 days recently and they were confined to the run then and when I first got them I only let them out for a couple of hours a day. They were absolutely fine and didn't complain. In my opinion, although others might disagree there is enough space for 3 hybrid hens even if you keep them mainly in the run. I've got woodchip on the run floor with grass underneath which they like to forage in. I've noticed that the more you let them out, the more they want to go out. It seems that they get used to whatever free ranging you give them. They will be confined when I go on holiday for a week next month.

[Bertrum]

Arrggh! Confused now!

Our neighbour has three, but in a wooden house with quite a large run (not a secure as I'd want it to be though). Perhaps when the Eglu turns up I should 'borrow' his for an hour to see what they look like in there...

[Chook n Boo Mum]

I'm going to add my 2 penn'orth.........I got my 3 original chooks on the Saturday and by the Monday, my DH was driving to get some weldmesh to make our own extension to the standard Classic run which was installed later that afternoon......watching one chook getting cornered whilst the pecking order was established was extremely unpleasant..........she also shot out of the door everytime it was opened & huddled under my arm for protection..........the extra space in the run made for a much more harmonious existence for all concerned.

 

My girls were allowed to free range after their initial week of confinement most days for several hours.

 

Essentially the more space they have, the less chance there is of bullying as they have more space to escape from each other......if you don't have space for a bigger run Bertrum, then 2 will be fine with single intros as & when necessary

 

Good luck,

 

Sha x

[Bertrum]

Bullying would probably be too much for my dear wife to bear and the advice from Omlet themselves says 2 in a standard run, so we will probably stick to our plan. Thanks for the advice though everyone. Hopefully I'll soon be a proud hen daddy and posting pictures of my first egg.

[3happyhens]

Speckledys are very pretty - I have one - amazingly soft & cuddly & has a lovely nature. However, it's worth noting they are prone to being broody. (I read about this after getting Mildred). She started laying around Easter & wasted no time becoming broody about six weeks later! This might be relevant if you're only having two hens & egg production is reduced by 50% ...

[Bertrum]

Wife and Daughter are now truly set on a Speckledy and I think I would get shot if I tried to talk them out of it now. Egg production is not really something we are bothered about (yet). I see eggs as a bonus at the moment, but that might change once we start getting used to having them .

 

Our Eglu has arrived and I'll be installing it in the garden on Saturday then getting the hens next weekend. Very Excited.