Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[seanog]

Can I introduce a new cockerel and chicken into my other 4 chickens or will it be choas?

[Patricia W]

Hi Seanog, just a few questions -

 

Do the new ones already know each other? Is it an established cockerel group?

 

How much space do you have for the newbies?

 

And do you have separate accommodation whilst they are getting to know one another?

 

Tricia

[seanog]

Hi Tricia,

I have had the 4 chickens for six months. There is no cockerel. I have an eglu cube with extension. I can't seperate them I will just have to put them in together. I will be buying the cockerel and new chicken next monday.

[Patricia W]

So it's 2 new chickens and one is a cockerel? So you will have six?

 

Theoretically, the cockerel should sort the ladies out, but it doesn't always work out that way. My top hen actually rules the roost although she lets Phillip think he does! And it will depend on how old the cockerel is.

 

If I were you, I'd rig up some separate accommodation in the cube run. A cat carrier and some garden canes have worked for other people. Perhaps a mod can find a link for you to an example or two. Frankly, it can be rather viscious and blood can be drawn if introductions are hurried. But I do hold the record for the longest introduction I think ( 9 months!)

 

Tricia