What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[edharvey17]

Hi, I have two hens (a maran and a bluebell) who are about 18 months old. I'd like to get two new hens as we'd like more eggs and would like to know whether I can add two more into an eglu - they have a run with an extension but will soon have a larger area, probably twice the size of an eglu run?

 

Also, how can I add two more in the easiest way - I've heard putting them in at night time sometimes works. I assume there will be some pecking as this is how they establish their order but any help would be useful.

 

Shall I get point of lay hens, what is the best age ones to get so they can stick up for themselves?? Also, any suggestions on types to get that are excellent layers and may get on with small children and other hens?

 

Thanks,

 

Ed

[jlo]

This in the FAQ is a good starting point.

[Treekeeper]

Black Rocks are excellent layers and pretty laid back too.

[Olly]

You can definitely fit four hens in an Eglu, it's the run that normally limits the number you can have. The standard Eglu run is ok for 2 hens, so if you are doubling the size then that should be ok for four, although the more space you can give them, the better.

 

Any hybrid is probably a good bet - my Speckledy hen Sadie is my favourite and she's very friendly and docile.

[migsy]

My Speckledy is skittish and the most stupid hen I have

 

I guess a lot is to do with personality but my Amber Star and my Light Sussex are the most docile

[Guest]

Put the new hens in a run next to your eglu run for a week (obvioulsy with a little house for them) and then let them out to free range if you do. When they take themselves off to bed put the new ones in with the old ones at night and if you have to remove them in the morning Then do the FR again and put them in at night until they have sorted out their pecking order