Should I do it?

WoodyK · « **on:** September 04, 2008, 14:36 »

And if so when?

I have 3 ex-batts that I've had for a month now and I'm hooked and I really fancy getting 3 more.

I saw on the forum that there is a North London rescue in a few weeks time. Would it be a good idea to introduce 3 more at this stage or should I wait until the girls I have have fully recovered?

Hopefully the house I built is big enough for 6.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

chookiepaula · « **Reply #1 on:** September 04, 2008, 16:51 »

In my experience it make little difference when you introduce, if anything sometimes sooner is better. Therefore your current hens wont be too set in their ways to hugely stronger than the new birds. Its always best to keep newbies away for a week or so to gain strength and get used to the environment before sorting out the new pecking order - which will happen!

Bodger · « **Reply #2 on:** September 04, 2008, 17:44 »

Just make sure that your new comers are as healthy as ex battery hens can be.

poultrygeist · « **Reply #3 on:** September 04, 2008, 17:52 »

What's your setup Woody ? ie. house & run size, etc.

We can advise on that at least

Rob

kimT · « **Reply #4 on:** September 04, 2008, 19:00 »

Go for it woodyK

WoodyK · « **Reply #5 on:** September 05, 2008, 17:27 »

Quote from: "poultrygeist"

What's your setup Woody ? ie. house & run size, etc.

We can advise on that at least

Rob

Sorry, I should have given you some info :roll:

House is 700mm x 900mm with external nest box the entire length but split into 2 section.

They free range 1/3 acre but i do have a temporary pen - about 3 sqm, attached to the house where i get them in before they go to bed. I am in the process of build a more permanent structure but decided to wait until i decide to get any more chickens before finishing it.

Hope this helps

poultrygeist · « **Reply #6 on:** September 05, 2008, 17:57 »

Your house is just big enough for 6 I would have thought, providing you have enough perching space.

The 1/3 acre must be nice for them.

Rob

WoodyK · « **Reply #7 on:** September 05, 2008, 22:03 »

i currently have 2 perches running across the width of the house.

They seem to love the garden and they have 2 areas of woodland that they 'play' in when it's raining.

poultrygeist · « **Reply #8 on:** September 05, 2008, 22:39 »

I'd enjoy that myself by the sound of it.

I'll bring my tent.

Rob

WoodyK · « **Reply #9 on:** September 06, 2008, 00:22 »

You're very welcome but we have been cut off by the floods for the past two days.

Should I do it?

Bodger

poultrygeist

poultrygeist

poultrygeist