Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[little Red Hen]

I've had my 2 omlet chooks + eglu since early May BUT am considering getting an additional chook in the way of a bantam which will probably be in the region of 12-14 weeks old. I understand this is going to probably upset the pecking order and wonder if maybe I should just leave things as they are or just go for it. As I only have 2 chooks and the new one will be youngish, will this mean things shouldn't be too bad or will it not make any difference to the trouble it may cause? Any advice or tips would be gratefully received.

[Martin B]

I wouldn't mix bantams with established Large Fowl, the big chooks will probably bully it, and in some cases the bantams die.

 

It would be ok to add another large chicken, but keep clear of bantams unless you are prepared to buy another eglu!

[little Red Hen]

Point taken, I did wonder if a bantam would make a easy target for bullying. I was considering one as they are smaller and it wouldn't be so tight in the eglu run as 3 large chickens as I don't want to extend the run. I know there has been previous postings on how many chickens are comfy in the standard run. Do you keep your latest 3 chickens (love their names by the way) in a standard run? I do allow mine to free range but only for an hour or so a day.

[chickenlass]

I have 3 ex batts in an Eglu with standard run and they are fine [they do free range within some Omlet netting though for several hours a day]

[Martin B]

Poachy, Hardboiled and Scramble are out on loan to a potential chicken keeper at the moment and they are Pekin Bantams.

 

To be honest, I don't see a problem with keeping 3 chickens in the eglu run, they should have plenty of room as long as they have some free-range time when you are around.

[CockADoodleDoo]

If your up for it i think that if you buy 2 bantams so that they can stick up for eachother and seperate the run so that the two bantams can see the large hens but they cant touch them and put them in the hut together at night for about 2 weeks. then introduce them and see how they go but it will take alot of time and effort, but a friend of mine with an eglu in wales who doesn't come on here did it and he said it was worth it and much cheaper than buying another eglu.

 

But beware that if the bantams are getting bullied you might have to sell them.

[AJuff]

I totally agree with cockADoodleDoo that two would be the answer. I introduced two little columbines to my big girls and the integration was very easy. They have each other for company and look out for each other. It was an advantage to be small too as the older girls thought they were submissive.

[chelsea]

i have debated several times now whether to add another chicken to my established pair. I would love another chicken, but am very worried another chook will come in and spoil their special bond. I would hate to see one of my year old girls tossed to one side and alone if the new chook becomes favourite with the other one......

 

still considering it though,.........