AJuff Posted July 26, 2007 Share Posted July 26, 2007 Am I mad to consider introducing two new hens (13 weeks old) to my existing three girls (just past point of lay). I want to extend the hen family but thought it might be easier to introduce two especially if they are younger. I have six weeks at home on school holiday and thought that it could be a good time to be around and supervise integration. Anyone got any good advice or first hand experience? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milly Posted July 26, 2007 Share Posted July 26, 2007 We were advised to get them at similar ages/sizes, so there are no small ones to get picked on. And certainly when we introduced two new hens to our Omlet two, the smaller one was chased most. It helped when we could let them out to free range - they could get away from each other, which is difficult in the run. But I'm sure someone with more than a month's experience will be along with good advice Milly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 26, 2007 Author Share Posted July 26, 2007 I've been thinking over dinner . . . perhaps I should buy an ark (cheaper than an eglu or a cube!) and buy three new littlies. Would there be as many problems if they each had their own home but free ranged together in a large space? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted July 26, 2007 Share Posted July 26, 2007 we introduced bantams to our two hybrids. first we tried to introduce one little wyandotte but it was a nightmare of bullying and the little one (despite having no obvious injuries) got so depressed we really thought she might just give up and die! so we got two more bantams, just to increase the odds you understand an araucana and a frizzle. Things improved instantly! with two against three the nastiness was greatly diluted...the little ones cuddled up together at night and on cold days and within a week all five were inseperable So I suggest getting a gang of littlies so they can outrun bullies and look out for each other. oh no! lots of chicks.....I bet that was the last advice you wanted to hear!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 26, 2007 Author Share Posted July 26, 2007 Oh that sounds like the excuse I need to acquire smallies. If my OH can have five pushbikes then surely I can have five hens. How do you introduce them if you only have one eglu/hen home? Older hens free ranging and littlies in the run, extra food and water everywhere? what happens when older hens want to lay an egg? or all freeranging together and popping new girls in at night to roost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 26, 2007 Author Share Posted July 26, 2007 Oh I also forgot to ask can you fit five hens in an eglu? They are let out to freerange all day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milly Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 We have four hens in an eglu - when I look in at night to check they are all there before I close it, they are all squashed together in one corner. I reckon we could have twice as many in there (and they would all squash in the same corner!) But you would need to let them out of the run, or get an extender, as there isn't much room in the run. Milly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 27, 2007 Author Share Posted July 27, 2007 Thank you for all the advice. A run extension is on order and hens are waiting to be collected. I have a master plan to introduce the new girls gently. I also have a bumper bit on hand just in case . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 29, 2007 Author Share Posted July 29, 2007 Hilda and Heather have arrived. Very small and sweet, lots of cheeping . All is well, girls are sleeping together in harmony with the older girls and keep out of their way in the morning. Older girls let out in the morning and small girls have freedom of the run. No squabbles, lots of interest. I gave them an hour free ranging with the others, all very happy but smallies sticking together so far. Thank you for all the advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
