Hello,
We are looking at adding 2 more POLs to our current 2 in a weeks time. We have only had the first 2 for about a month, they are between 20-23 weeks old and have started laying. They are Light Sussex and Speckled Star, we will probably add a 17 week old Black Star and same age Warren, from the same breeder and are fully vaccinated.
If I tell you our facilities, it would be great to hear your experience/suggestions as to the best way to integrate them. (we are definitely sticking at 4 by the way !)
We have a 24ft by 8ft Walk in run, on good soil. We have a move-able wooden coop/run (approx 7ft long) within the WIR. This is where the girls currently live and would accommodate all 4, but the plan is to move them into our newly acquired second hand EGLU classic (without eglu run) as soon as poss - cleaned but not yet introduced to them.
I'm thinking 2 options at the moment:1. For a couple of weeks, section off half the WIR for the new girls and half for the older. Give the new girls the EGLU to get used to, and leave the (only just settled) older ones in the wooden coop. Then after a fortnight let them mix and put a 'no vacancies' sign on the wooden coop - or close it off of course
![wink ;)](https://chat.allotment-garden.org/Smileys/green/wink.gif)
2. Introduce the EGLU now as an optional second home for the current 2. Let them get used to it for a week and encourage them to use it. Then when the new 2 arrive, keep them within the wooden coop/run for a week or two whilst they settle, and ensure the older 2 are using the EGLU. Then after a week or two let them mix properly whilst closing the wooden coop a la option 1, and move in to the EGLU together.
Either way they will be able to see each other and get used to each other, without being able to get AT each other for a few weeks.
Thanks in advance for your wisdom
![happy :)](https://chat.allotment-garden.org/Smileys/green/smile.gif)