Charlie7 Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 I am planning to get chicks at some point. Day old under a broody. I have an Eglu Classic with a run extension. I am planning to have the chicks and broody in the Eglu and the run. The other hen will roost in a covered dog-crate. (Don't worry about the cold. I'm planning the chicks for the summer and the crate will be nicely covered.) She will free range in the daytime. Is this a good set up? I'm thinking, the hens will still see each other, will this disturb the mother hen? She and her chicks will be in a closed run, but I have read that they are very protective with their chicks. Will she be stressed or disturbed? My hens are very close by the way. They are sisters and all ways together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 They will need to be separate, but the other hen pottering around the outside of the Eglu and run during the day shouldn't be a problem. I'd advise you to get a second house and run for the other hen. IMHO no protection during the day, when no-one is about and just the dog crate at night is not adequate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 I agree about the crate, maybe when the mum and chicks are shut in the Eglu overnight you can place the cat carrier in the Eglu run to keep it safe or alternatively move it to a secure shed, garage or utility room The rest of it sounds fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie7 Posted November 23, 2010 Author Share Posted November 23, 2010 I agree about the crate, maybe when the mum and chicks are shut in the Eglu overnight you can place the cat carrier in the Eglu run to keep it safe or alternatively move it to a secure shed, garage or utility room The rest of it sounds fine That's exactly what I was planning. We have a nice big insulated shed. Egluntyne: I am planning to do this in a holiday, so don't worry, I will probably be in the garden the whole day. If there is something you should be concerned about, it is if the little family will get any peace and privacy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 Once the chicks are a couple of days old, they will be very busy charging about in the run and investigating everything. They won't need too much 'privacy' as such, but they will need keeping separate, you are quite right, until they are big enough to stand up for themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
