Sooo much pooping

[liz wicksteed]

Hello all!

 

In May we bought three rescue chickens, and were advised to keep them in the run for 5 days before letting them out so they developed a good sense of home. Two of them have since died, that last one 10 days ago, and this afternoon we bought two new chickens - not ex-batts, they are a warren and a blubell - because our remaining chicken, Daisy, was clearly lonely. My question is whether we should be keeping the new chickens in the run for 5 days as well, without letting them out? Seems a bit tough on Daisy!

 

Any views?

[Charlie7]

How big is the run?

[liz wicksteed]

Hi Charlie

 

it's a standard eglu run. OK for three chickens but not big.

[chicken bark]

I'd keep the new chickens in the run and let Daisy free range.

 

It'll give Daisy time to get used to them without being on top of each other.

[Charlie7]

If you do what Chicken Bark said, make sure to provide food and water out there for Daisy.

[chicken bark]

...and a box (may be a plastic cat carrier) which is dark where she can lay her eggs.

[Jools]

You could also try letting the two newbies out of the run late in the day, say about half an hour before bedtime. That way they won't have time to get lost or forget where they live.