[ynysmonron]

I have 8 ex batt hens and they are now looking lovely. Would it be right to introduce them to a cock?

[joyfull]

how long have you had them and how strong are their bones?

[Caralou]

When I have had a cockerel running with my girls I noticed that the two ex-barns are the ones who lose the most condition from mating and even now, a couple of months after the last cockerel went, one of the girls has not refeathered as well as the others as a result. You will need to keep a close eye that he doesn't favour just one of them as although a strong purebreed would be able to cope with this an ex-bat may find it too stressful and will suffer more. Although a saddle would solve this problem in terms of feather loss if they still have weak bones there could be more serious damage.

I love having a cockerel in with the girls and don't by any means think I am trying to put you off as I think if they are strong enough to go ahead and try as they will actually prefer having him around 

We have forgot to tell you we need pics of all your little feathered ones - 'tis the law on here   

[ynysmonron]

If this works I will send more, Ron.

[lucylou]

hi ron, how lonmg have you had your girls for? ive had mine 3 days!

[Sassy]

Can I ask why you want to introduce a cockerel to your ex-batts? As ex-batts are hybrids they rarely go broody.

[dizzylizzie]

Hi, i have a cockerel running with my girls BUT i have 1 cokerel and 18 girls, only 8 of these are ex-batts, and mine was an accidental cockerel. I would never knowingly have introduced a cockerel to them. Cara is right, the ex-batts come off worse. I have a good ratio and they are still 'threadbare' where he treads hem. I have some ex-batts coming in April and he wont be allowed anywhere near them for a few months at least. Is the photo you put up of your girls a recent one? if so then in my opinion they dont look anywhere near ready to run with a cockerel as some have not feathered up properly. They dont need a cockerel, and as they dont go broody easily you may find they will be happier without

[ynysmonron]

Hi Lucylou, I got mine on 11th feb, and some of them have full feathers now.
and Sassy, I have been offered a cock and just want to be safe

[wildwitchy]

I had my boy when my ex batts were mostly feathered & other hens because they were always squabbling & picking at each other. He soon sorted that out. He looks after them very well & they all love him. He even took a newbie hen to the group under his wing recently. What a gent!