Tilly Bud Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 Due to some very sad circumstances I've been left with only one hen . How long can I leave my remaining hen alone? I'm trying to get a bit of time off work so when I introduce a new one I'm there for the first few days of the process. It could be a little while, though I'll try and push to get it sooner if Harriet'll be too unhappy by herself. Any advice would be hugely appreciated. Thanks x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazy kc Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 I'm sorry for your loss. I would try to get 1 or even better 2 asap as they hate to be alone. You could house them in a rabbit hutch and divide your run so they can see each other without being able to fight. Then when you can get time off work they would already be used to each other so the job of mixing them would be much easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 If you're thinking of a couple of weeks, she should be fine but the sooner the better really. Sorry to hear about your other girl . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 I'm in the same position, and hoping to get 2 new chooks at the weekend, leaving my one chook alone only for a couple of days. I can't take time off work either - not practical unfortunately - but am busy making plans to hopefully minimise any fighting. Should first say, this is my first go at introductions! I am planning on splitting the run into 2 with canes, so they can see each other, but can't get at each other, and have found a rabbit hutch I am borrowing off someone for a coop. Not sure yet where/how the coop is going - will work that out once I have it! Then, when I'm home, I aim to let them out to free range together (armed with hosepipe!), and when I'm at work, they'll be at each end of the run and they won't be able to get at each other, and I know I won't come home to any sad sights. (Losing 1 chook a week is more than enough!) MAYBE next weekend I'll take the canes out when I'm home to see what happens - but will play that by ear and let them lead the intros. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tilly Bud Posted July 22, 2010 Author Share Posted July 22, 2010 I think I'm going to do exactly the same! It's my forst time introducing a newbie too. Managed to get 3 days off together so I'm going to get the newbie this Sunday, leave her and Harriet in the separated Eglu run for the 5 days I'm at work, letting them free range together when I get home, take the newbie out at night to sleep somewhere else, then after the 5 days I'll introduce them properly, staying with them for the longer periods while they're freeranging together. The only thing is - how does a hen sleep in a rabbit hutch ?! I have a spare one, but the hen could only be in one area or the other because she couldn't fit through the little door! Would you just put her in the bed bit area at night and leave her there? It's been good to talk to someone in the same position, thanks ! x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 IThe only thing is - how does a hen sleep in a rabbit hutch ?! I have a spare one, but the hen could only be in one area or the other because she couldn't fit through the little door! Would you just put her in the bed bit area at night and leave her there? x To be absolutely honest - I have no idea yet!! I haven't seen this particular hutch - it is arriving tomorrow... I am hoping that it will work! Don't think it is that kind of design though, and as ultimately it is only for sleeping in, if i do have to lift them in at night, and out again in the morning, then guessing it is no worse than locking them up in the Eglu at night? As long as they have some room to move around of course... And it is blacked out. Maybe? But you have got me thinking!! Maybe I need to have another back up plan! I have a couple of calls out there for a Cat Carrier, so if the rabbit hutch really isn't suitable, then that is another option... But I haven't actually found one yet, so maybe I will be at the pet shop on Saturday morning to buy one! You are right - it's nice to know there is someone out there in the same position! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 You could try letting them sleep together quite soon- they are really dozy at night and as long as you get up with the lark to hoik the newbie out again, it can help with integration. It also helps to cover them in red mite powder, or I've even heard of them being washed over in a weak vinegar solution so they smell the same. Anyway, glad you've got a plan. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Jane Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 The only thing is - how does a hen sleep in a rabbit hutch ?! I have a spare one, but the hen could only be in one area or the other because she couldn't fit through the little door! Would you just put her in the bed bit area at night and leave her there? We used a rabbit hutch for our introductions and I was worried that they wouldn't be able to get through the little gap, but they managed it. They are quite small ex-batts though... It also helps to cover them in red mite powder, or I've even heard of them being washed over in a weak vinegar solution so they smell the same. I've also heard of talc used for this purpose, but not tried it myself. Hope it goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 You could try letting them sleep together quite soon- they are really dozy at night and as long as you get up with the lark to hoik the newbie out again, it can help with integration. It also helps to cover them in red mite powder, or I've even heard of them being washed over in a weak vinegar solution so they smell the same. Anyway, glad you've got a plan. Tricia If it was winter, (I think) I would try shoving them in together, and be up before it is light. However, as is summer, and it is light so early - am a little worried what damage Fred could do in a relatively short period of time...? She nearly had my finger off last night "just" for a meal worm And yes - planning to give them a dousing of Red Mite powder - Fred is probaly due a dusting, and it won't hurt the new ones either, as would not only help so they smell the same, but seems a sensible action to take with new hens? Also plan to get some antipeck spray / that violet spray stuff in case of emergency, and I need to get some more Diatom (sp?) or similar too and use liberally in case they bring any extra guests with them? I also plan to worm them after they have settled in for a couple of weeks. (I do worry a bit about worms, as Ginger was riddled when she arrived from Omlet, so prefer to Flubenvet myself so know they have been "done".) There is a lot to think about with this introduction lark!! Good to know the Rabbit hutch is a def possibility! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
