New Hens

[frizzle1]

Let me first introduce myself as im new to this particular forum and loving it already. I previously ,up until a couple of months ago had twenty five mixed breeds of hens but had to rehome them to make room for new ones this spring. The problem is i will be only having five light sussex in a coop measuring approx 82" long 41" high and 30" wide this was recommended by a very well known breeder of about 3,000 birds. Problem is i have still got an odd cream legbar from the original ones and cant see a way round introducing her to the new ones. Managed before but now with just a coop dont see how i can. Normally would put her in a cage next to them for three weeks but there wont be room in the run. Also when it comes to putting them away night time cause of foxy i wont be able to put her with them any suggestions?

 

[victorias poultry]

Hi and welcome to the poultry forum.
Are you able to put a seperate cage in the run itself so the new hens are able to get used to your existing cream legbar for a day or two?

 

[frizzle1]

Hi thank you for your reply. Dont you think that this will take up too much room in the run plus she wont be able to sleep in the house of a night with the others and it would mean leaving her in the run which i definately cant do because of Mr and Mrs Foxy they are already waiting every night for the chance of a free meal, ive never blamed the fox i think its down to the poultry keeper to keep their hens safe and they certainly wont be safe in the run i would never forgive myself if he got in.

 

[victorias poultry]

I have left a hen in a cage during the day (large enough for her to move around with food and drink) and seperated the nesting area at night for 2 days they got on with no problems once put together
Hope this helps

 

[frizzle1]

It certainly does help a great deal so I will take your advise onboard when introducing my new chooks and hopefully they all get on just fine, so I'm afraid Mr and Mrs Fox will have to look elsewhere. Thanks again.

 

[ncotb]

Im sure they will be fine 17 Love Sussex, piccies please when you have them!