Eglu Cube Coop and Accessories

[RubyandRosie]

I realise I have made a mistake in getting only 2 instead of 3. I have had Ruby and Rosie for 2 weeks and they are totally in love with each other - best buddies!!! As a first time chicken keeper, I have just read on here that I should have got 3 instead of 2 so they bond as a flock instead of a pair (in case I lose one).

If I go back to the market where I bought Ruby and Rosie two weeks ago, and introduce a similar age hen from the same breeder, is this asking for trouble? Should I just leave it at 2 hens, or should I get a 3rd? I don't want any fights as my two are very happy together, but realise it will be very sad if I lose one and the other is left alone. They have not yet started laying. I don't know their age but they are like normal size hens but without the full comb and wattle (one's is just starting to turn red). Many thanks for any advice.

[Geoid]

There is this topic on the FAQ, which might be useful.

[RubyandRosie]

Thanks a million Fred.

[KarenW]

I've had troubles with introductions recently, so I'd say no, don't introduce one more now. Even though 2 weeks doesn't seem long, I think you'd be surprised at their reaction to adding another hen. If you want more, I'd definitely go for 2 and introduce them slowly - if you haven't got room for 2 then I'd leave it for now. I was astounded by how awful my chickens could be to each other

 

Karen

[RubyandRosie]

Thanks Karen. That's what I suspected. My two are almost LOVING to each other like sisters - it is very sweet to watch, as they groom each other, follow each other around and snuggle together even in the "garden" of the cube. Hard to imagine what effect a 3rd one would have on their happy home - but I could imagine they are capable of being vicious.

Kind regards

Kim

[coppers]

I agree, I would keep to the two at the moment as they are settled, and when you lose one (which will hopefully not happen for a long time) then introduce two new chickens to your remaining one. I am assuming you do not really want, or need, to add two more now or you would have got more to start with? This would be an option, adding two new ones now, but I must confess that I avoid introductions if at all possible as I hate them! I am a bit pathetic I admit but I hate any unrest at all. Each to their own.

[Leeloo]

I read the blog of an Eglu owner in California who started with two chickens and later added a third like you plan to do. It was rough at first, but she managed the introductions with the help of a cardboard box and lots of chicken treats and now they all get along fine.

 

Here's her story of the introduction:

 

http://welloneofmyblogs.com/2010/07/31/but-this-is-it-i-swear/

[RubyandRosie]

Coppers, thank you - that is really good advice - yes I am happy with just 2 for now, so I will wait until losing one and then introduce 2 more at that stage.

Leeloo - thank you for that blog - that was so kind of you! I'm glad that little Buff Orpington survived - what a lovely trio they made in the pic once they had calmed down

Kim xx

[Alis girls]

I introduced 2 to 2 and now they mix well - occ peck here and there and they sleep in double rooms - 2 in eglu pod and 2 in wooden pod. Took 3 weeks and the use of a water pistol to smooth things over.

[Duncan08]

I agree with the others, I got my first two omlet girls and added another two six days later. One of them was ok but The other had a terrible time, and still isn't comPletely accepted by the original pair.

This year I added two new pure breeds to the flock, bluebell now has a new friend and is much happier, but I am still left with one of the new girls being more of a loner.

It gets better each day but I would spend some months enjoying your girls before you go through the problems of intros.

Morehens will get you in the end and one more would never have been enough