2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[paddy1709]

At present we have two chickens in an eglu, which we have had for about two years. They have a run and also are enclosed in a patch about 8m x 10m to free range in during the day (although they still make us feel guitly about totally free ranging). As egg production is now down we have been thinking about getting two more chickens recently - will the eglu support this ok and also what do you feel is the right time - should we hang on to the spring? I haven't got a spare eglu and are worried about introducing two new chickens because I would need to separate them for a while - is there anything else you can use?

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks

[Luvachicken]

Sorry I can't help but I'm sure someone will come along soon.

I am in a similar position except my chickens have a smaller area to play in so any replies would be interesting to read.

[Olly]

The Eglu will easily hold four chickens, it's the size of the run that restricts how many you can have. If yours can free-range in an area the size that you describe, they should be fine - what if you are away on holiday etc, will they still be able to free-range or will they be confined to the Eglu run? You'd need at least two extensions if they were going to be in it for any length of time.

 

As far as introductions go, there's lots of good advice on the FAQs thread. It's best to keep new hens separate for a bit just to ensure there's no disease or parasites or anything before you mix them with your existing ones. I've introduced one by keeping her in a spare Eglu run with an 'end' on, and a cat-basket to sleep in at night; it's got to be secure from predators but a dog crate would do very well, or a rabbit-hutch or similar. Ideally they should be able to see each other during the introductory period, and once you're sure the new hens are healthy, you could start putting them in together at night and just separating them during the day.