nannyhenny Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 (I've tried searching for this topic but can't seem to find the right search terms to find anything!) We have four new hens that are being added to two older ones. The new girls have been sleeping and laying in their own Classic and run and the older girls are in a Cube 'next door'. So far, all has gone well and they are ranging together in the day without much fuss (the occasional clip round the ear for the new girls but no harm done) For the last two nights I've put the new girls into the cube after dark and they come out happily in the morning with the big hens. Now I need them to take themselves to bed and to learn to go up into the Cube to lay. None of the newbies have ever gone up the ladder by themselves, even though they go in and out of the run happily during the day. I plan to shut them all into the Cube run at night and leave them to it - but how can I ensure they learn to lay in the Cube when I take the Classic away? I don't want them laying all over the place because they can't twig the Cube! Any ideas, please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 If it's where the older ones lay they'll soon get the hang of it. They're very mosey too. They'll check out the cube and figure out that that nice soft snug place is a good spot for egg laying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 In doing exactly the same at the moment and mine had the first night in the cube with the big girls last night. It sounds like your intros are easier than mine, I have a bully girl, she chases the poor newbies but it's not continues just persistent! No damage to the girls she just gives them a dog on the head. If it carries on I will isolate her as per DM's suggestion. I plan to give them a few days to orientate themselves then block off the bedsit and they will have to get the hang of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 I've got a book about chickens on my iPad. It suggests taking the bully out of the run and walking around the garden with it under your arm for a while before returning it to the others. It also says put it in a carrier and take it for a long drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 If she carries on she will be going for the longest drive....and not coming back!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nannyhenny Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 Thanks, everyone. I'll stick to the plan and see how it goes. As for bullying, love the idea of taking them for a walk - bit like with fractious babies! Actually, I don't think you need to worry unless blood is drawn or the little one isn't feeding, preening or laying when away from the bully. It does seem to be how hens do their society. Lots of room and cover for escape routes seems the best help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 If she carries on she will be going for the longest drive....and not coming back!! I know you don't mean it. I'll have her if it comes to it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 I mean it btw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 No I really don't mean it, she is a lovely girl. She was literally oven ready when we brought her home and in so proud of how far she has come. I just find it very difficult to watch especially as the new little girls really are the sweetest hens I have ever come across x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nannyhenny Posted September 2, 2015 Author Share Posted September 2, 2015 So far, so good. Have dismantled the Classic and they were all in the Cube and its run from yesterday evening. Only one new girl was brave enough to sleep in the Cube, though. The others slept underneath! They all came out reasonably amicably when the run was opened. Haven't looked for eggs today yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
