Single hen

[Shirl]

I contacted the BHWT a while ago about adopting a couple of ex batts. Last night I had an email saying the next rescue is Saturday. If you've been following the drama in our garden recently you might remember I'm going to lend my Eglu Mark 1 to a friend. I haven't asked her yet but thought she might like a couple of ex batts too. My thinking is that I could get 4 and keep them in the Mark 1 for a week or 2 until intros were done and then she could take 2 and the Eglu. Would this be too much of a squash? Part of me thinks it will be more room than they are used to but on the other hand I'd be doubling what is recommended for the Mark 1.

 

Please urgent advice needed because I'm seeing her today and I also need to call the BHWT asap if I want hens.

 

Shirl

[Egluntyne]

Two would be fine in a Mark 1.

 

They take up to three with the standard run.

 

You could manage a couple more with an extension.

 

Compared to what they have been used to, they'll think they are in paradise.

[Mrs Frugal]

The standard run is only big enough for 2 hens. I had 3 in my Mark 1 and the run is just too small for them to spend long periods in so mine free range all the time. The Mark 1 Eglu is big enough for up to 3 hybrids though if you can let them free range or if you put a converter on the run.

[Guest]

how come she can't take the eglu and the 2 ex batts straight away so they have less upheavel to deal with?

 

Just wondering not criticising, I'm sure you have a good reason for the way you're doing it.

[Shirl]

I can't let them free range after a visit from Mr Fox last week and I haven't got a converter and it isn't worth buying one for 2 weeks use. I guess I'll just have to get 2 and if she'd like ex batts she'll have to get some at the next rescue on 22nd December.

[Shirl]

how come she can't take the eglu and the 2 ex batts straight away so they have less upheavel to deal with?

 

Just wondering not criticising, I'm sure you have a good reason for the way you're doing it.

 

Because I need somewhere to keep my 2 ex batts seperate. Although my other chooks are bantams I'd hate for the ex batts to be bullied on top of all that upheaval.

[Guest]

there was some bullying btwn my 4 when i got them, I think perhaps bullying might be unavoidable in whatever scenario.

 

The 4 ex batts will quite probably squabble and then your 2 might have to go thru it again when you put them in with the bantams.

 

maybe be better to get it over and done with in one go? Just my thoughts, your decision.

 

good luck.

[Shirl]

That's a good point. I guess I thought slightly fragile birds won't be up to much bullying.

 

Oh I've got s cold and can't think clearly

[bronze]

I was advised to keep ex batts seperate til theyve had a chance to get stronger (hence why I didnt get any). If its just for a couple of weeks you could possibly risk getting the four til you offload a couple as though its cramped its more space than they are used to. I would just get two though in your position

[Guest]

That's a good point. I guess I thought slightly fragile birds won't be up to much bullying.

 

Oh I've got s cold and can't think clearly

 

as i've only had ex batts, i'm not sure how bad the bullying of other, stronger birds is so you might be right, best play it safe