What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[lolaandtilly]

Hi, I have 2 gingernuts from omlet. We have had them for 3 weeks now, and would like to get some more warrens. But should we get 2 more, equal numbers, or 3?. I have heard that odd numbers are better, but we don't won't our gingernuts outnumbered by the new arrivals. The new hens will be a few weeks older that our girls. Any ideas what would be best? They will all be going into a cube, which will be new to the gingernuts as well. Tilly Lola

[Redwing]

I'd probably get another two IF your run is big enough for them

 

You'll need some separate housing for introductions and/or quarantine

[lolaandtilly]

I'd probably get another two IF your run is big enough for them

 

You'll need some separate housing for introductions and/or quarantine

 

 

Thanks, the cube has a 3m run, so room not a problem. We had been told it's easier to add 3 new hens, but feel that our original 2 may be out numbered so at a disadvantage.

[chicken bark]

Ideally you need 1m of run per hen.

 

I'd just add 2.

[lolaandtilly]

Ideally you need 1m of run per hen.

 

I'd just add 2.

 

Thanks. most of the day they are out free ranging, I would not like to keep my girls cooped up in the run. But I know there will be times when they have to stay in there, and the 3m run does look on the small side for more than 4 chickens, think I may save up for extra extension piece, after all my rabbit has a 6x12' run all to himself, that's when he's not free ranging with the girls.

[Lavenders_Blue]

You've clearly got your heart set on 3 more hens - so go for it!

You don't have to introduce the same number of hens to your existing number. I recently introduced one hen to my existing 4 and it was fine. Just be prepared to have some way of keeping the two flocks separate for a while as if you just bung them all in together they will fight. Introducing them to each other over a few days/weeks is the best way to go.