2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Leonie56]

I'm going to add 2 new girls to my 2 existing girls. I have a buff Sussex and a brahma, would adding an Orpington and a Wyandotte be ok as they are similar size?

I have a cube with a 3 metre run, will that be big enough?

 

Thanks

[KarenW]

There's some good advice in the FAQ's bit on here, I'm sure someone more technical could do a link to it, but not me I think it's down to the individual chickens as to how they react to newcomers. I'd make sure you can supervise for the first couple of days at least to see how it's going and be prepared to separate them if there are problems. Odd pecking and chasing and a few pulled feathers are to be expected, but it can get nasty pretty quickly (with us, a few pulled feathers during the morning turned into a bald bleeding patch in less than 5 minutes just before lunch).

 

Just watch that the new ones are being allowed food and water and it might be an idea to shut the old ones out of the run to free range for a while to make sure the new ones can get a bit of respite. Also, maybe get some gentian violet in ready just in case you get any blood at all so that you can treat them quickly, and hopefully stop things escalating.

 

Good luck! Getting new chickens is so exciting

 

Karen

[percy049]

For the first couple of days at least they should be separated, but should be able to see eachother (e.g. through netting). Provide 2 food/water bowls when you do put them together otherwise they will fight over the food.

It will be upsetting to see your current ones pecking the newbies, but it has to be done to sort everything out (be cruel to be kind). Although, if they properly start fighting separate them.

My first introductions was the worst part of keeping chickens I've ever endured, but it is worth it the second introductions were a lot easier, as you learn from your mistakes.

If during the intros you ever need any advice, lots of people here are happy to advise you