Omlet cube and run

[peckingham palace]

I wonder if you would mind if I post a quick question?

 

I have 6 girls well established over the last 2 years, still laying fairly well and enjoying life to its fullest. However I have a hankering to add some more maybe a couple of ambers and a couple of speckledys, but am very concerned about upsetting what is a very happy brood at the moment. Would it be a massive upheaval for them and unpleasant for some newbies or would it be worth the initial spats? Any advice either way would be very much appreciated. Many thanks in advance. I don't want to do anything to upset their happy existence just to pander to my own selfish wants.

[sparkysmum]

For me, its all about space and how much f/range time they have. Also going from 6 to 10 may well require a change in housing.Furthermore, and this is an important issue for me, 10 hens will cause significantly more damage to your garden than 6, not to mention soooo much more poo to pick If you are happy with all these issues, go for it. Enjoy planning what to have and remember to post pics if you do. Alli x

[peckingham palace]

Hi

 

Thanks for your reply, I had 9 ladies originally all brought home within a few weeks of each other and POL. I have a large WIR, cube and a large free ranging area of the garden which they have access to all day and which is connected the WIR so they can get under cover in the inclement weather, of which we have had much! My worry was introducing newbies to a longstanding established group and just wanted thoughts on the viability on the welfare of all the girls concerned both new and old.

 

Thanks for taking the time to respond and for the encouragement.

[sparkysmum]

Your set up sounds perfect so I would just take the intros really slowly. Keep the new gals in separate accommodation for as long as it takes and let them f/range together from time to time. Eventually they will decide themselves that all is well and you will have combined your chooks painlessly. I have always taken months over intros and have never had a problem this way. Good luck Alli x