[mrs chook]

Hi again! my new girls have settled down & Betty seems to be accepting them (although they're still in their own hen house/run - Betty is spending alot of time near them). Martha went into lay this morning -first time  Within minutes she went & laid another
      Has anyone had this before ?

thanks

[ANHBUC]

It could be possible but more likely that one of the others had already laid and she has taken her time going in and out then finally laid her egg.  Some of mine come out of the nest box announcing they have laid and the box is empty!   

[mrs chook]

Two girls in one hen house / run though & 3 eggs yesterday. they ar
e still separate from Betty at the moment. Fingers crossed and they will be together in another week. Although, I am a little nervous. This is because our 'holding' run (i let them into this before they free range during the day.)is for 2 hens-3 at a push. The worry is the establishing of the pecking order.

any advice please?

[Sassy]

If they have been kept within sight and sound - best if next to - each other it should be a non-event barring the odd peck. Put in more than one feeding and watering station as most bullying is about these.

[ANHBUC]

It must be from one hen then.  They can release two yolks and get a double yolker or sometimes they turn out as two eggs.  When this happens one usually has an inferior shell on the second egg.

If you introduce them after dark to Bettys coop and do as Sassy says with feeders and drinkers you should be alright.  Betty will probably be glad to have the company but will just let them know that she is boss.   

[mrs chook]

thank you! i will introduce them @ bedtime in just over a week!