Chicken deficient Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 Given the empty Eglu, last used for newbies on quarantine, I was wondering, as we all do, about getting a few morehens... What do you think about the idea of 3 ex-batts? They would have the Eglu Classic and run, and be kept separate from my existing flock of 10. Possibly an occasional bit of free-ranging, but only if I could manage it with the others. Given the lives they would previously have had, do you think they'd be happy with that? Given my lot have a 6m x 3m run and free ranging on top of that, it seems a bit unfair, but then again better than the 'alternative'. I'm going round in circles! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 I have no experience of 'posh birds' but my ex batts are great As you say your run would be better than what they came from.Mine are little stars and have been laying every day about 7 on average and they have become really friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohcarolina Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 I have a mix of posh birds and hybrids in and 3 (at the mo) ex commercial hens in a . I've kept both types for a couple of years and although I haven't kept them in the same Eglu (usually I have too many gingers) they do FR together reasonably happily. I have a couple of posh bully birds but the ginger ninjas just avoid them as do their posh sisters. I'd say go for it - but I am biased as I now volunteer with Fresh Start For Hens! We were all in the garden today and the gingers were helping me the whole time - i.e. getting under my feet whilst the posh birds did their own thing under the hedge. My little Hotty follows me round bokking and chirruping the whole time. I just wish I could speak chook! These lovely girls deserve their second chance. Based on my experience you won't regret it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppers77 Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 Totally agree i have 3 ex batts in an eglu since last August & they are fab. Their 2 'posh bird' sussex sisters give them a bit bit of a bashing when they free range together they have thrived & are the happiest souls. Also considering our Flo is probably the most grumpiest chicken ever. The sussex live separately in a wooden house as i bought the eglu to aid introductions. Turned out the eglu is so much easier we've just stayed as is. I would say that although Gwinnie & Flo are beautiful our battie girls are far more beautiful in nature:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 Agnes, Agatha and Annie were my ex batts and they seemed very happy in the . Sadly Annie did not live for very long and Agatha never laid an egg, she lived for over a year. Agnes now lives in the in a section of the WIR so she is in sight of the other girls but they can not pick on her. She seems very content and other than a winter break lays an egg most days. I think exbatts is an excellent idea. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeky Chooky Posted March 17, 2013 Share Posted March 17, 2013 Yes, yes, yes! We got our 3 Batties in mid-December and they're in a ...although I did buy them their own Omlet WIR for Christmas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken deficient Posted March 17, 2013 Author Share Posted March 17, 2013 they're in a ...although I did buy them their own Omlet WIR That's what I'm afraid of! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 I currently keep 2 hybrids and a purebreed bantam in a WIR, and in August added 3 ex-batts into a spare Eglu I had. I've kept them separate in terms of sleeping arrangements due to lack of space (I'm about to extend the WIR) but they're all very happy mingling now, in fact, the ex-batts were allowed to FR with my existing girls after 7 weeks and they quickly grabbed the top spots in the pecking order. My ex-batts have the 2m run and get out into the garden one or twice a day. They love the Eglu and run, and headbutt the Eglu door open every morning... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken deficient Posted March 19, 2013 Author Share Posted March 19, 2013 Thanks gongladosh - that all sounds very promising. I think I may need to start working on him indoors... I love that you give your hens boys names - it works well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
