counturchickens Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 After losing Dora this week, we're down to 2 hens which always makes me nervous as you never know with ex batts whether one is going to go suddenly. A local supplier has some 17 week old columbines ( I have been hankering after some ). Luckily I have a seperate house and run I can use, would they be ok in there for 3 or 4 weeks before merging, or would they still be too young? They could have supervised free range as part of the intros. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 I would be inclined to keep them in their new home for a couple of weeks then gradually let them freerange together daily for another couple of weeks then try merging them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gertie Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 That's exactly what I did! My last ex batt was pts in June but a few weeks before, as I knew she was going downhill I got 3 hybrids. Kept them in a separate coop next door & let them FR together. Rosie who is top hen put them in their places a little bit but about a month later we have integration! They are choosing to go to bed together! Mine were the same age and Rosie is 3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted July 29, 2012 Author Share Posted July 29, 2012 We have always done that introducing ex batts to ex batts, just never had pol before. I am excited though, going to get them next weekend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
