Early birthday present

[MaureenHall]

I was taken out today on a mystery trip by my friend. 2 hours later, we turned up at Cotswold Chickens I've got 2 Black Star and 2 Bluebelle to join my existing (remaining) 8 ex-batts . I'm thrilled to bits but Hazel (big boss of existing flock) isn't pleased, probably because I hadn't told her that some new girls were moving in!! She's stomping about squawking and shouting. She'll probably do that for the rest of the day on and off, and she'll probably do it again tomorrow morning then she'll shut up.

The new girls, Honeysuckle, Marigold (Black Stars), Bluebell and Pansy (Bluebelles) and 17 weeks old so there's a bit of time for them to settle down before they start giving me any eggs. They're gorgeous!!! But so are my others too, even though Hazel STILL hasn't grown her bum and tail feathers back yet, and that's after 8 months.

Just in case anyone's worried that I've plonked the new girls straight in with the old girls, I've got a converted rabbit hutch that's used as a coop and spare nesting place that we've put in a sectioned off part of the run so they can all see each other but not touch.

[Glutton4...]

Good luck with your new girls. I have decided to get off my backside and get some Hens myself - heaven knows I've been talking about it for long enough - but that's me all over!

I've contacted the BHWT, had an email back and I've got to call our local rep on Thursday. Haven't told the rest of the family yet, as I don't know how long the wait will be, but inside I'm already like a kid on Christmas Eve. Now I know what everyone else feels like - I always thought they were exaggerating.

Anyway, best of luck, and any tips/advice gratefully received.

Regards, G4

[Tomere123]

Wow you're soo lucky. I'm very jealous and I love Bluebelles!

Show us some pics!

Tom =]

[MaureenHall]

I'll get some pics on here as soon as my friend has downloaded them onto the pc They're so lovely, I can't stop grinning. Bluebell should be re-named Houdini, she's already been out of her run twice and mingled with the old girls, and no aggro either!! I didn't want to let her stay with them just yet, I want them to get to know where their "home" is first.

[frias]

That's great Maureen. Sounds as if Bluebell has settled already. I notice you say 8 ex-batts. I remember you losing Rose didn't know you had lost another of your girls. I know it will happen at some point but dread losing one of mine.

[di]

Just wait til you start getting a dozen a day!!
We got our "new 2" beginning of June(one of them is also called Marigold!)As they were only little we kept them apart for a while,I really panicked that they were never going to be accepted by the old girls,but all is hunky dorey now!!I think they're still down at the bottom of the pecking order but they now mingle with the others~even daring every so often to attempt "sharing" the odd cabbage leaf!!
All the best with your new girls.

[MaureenHall]

That's great Maureen. Sounds as if Bluebell has settled already. I notice you say 8 ex-batts. I remember you losing Rose didn't know you had lost another of your girls. I know it will happen at some point but dread losing one of mine.

Yes, sadly I lost Petunia at the beginning of the month. She'd always been a bit of a hop-a-long with a dicky leg, but she was so loving and always the last one to bed, wanted a cuddle before she settled down. I was away and my daughter was looking after them all but I'd told her not to be surprised if Petunia went. I'm glad I managed to give her a bit of freedom and to go to chicken heaven naturally. None of the newbies are replacements for Rose and Petunia, they're additions.

[MaureenHall]

Piccies of the New Girls

Well I did say I'd try to get some piccies on here didn't I
There's more on the next post

[MaureenHall]

More pics

Even more! The last one is of me chatting with Hazel after she'd made big protests about the new arrivals

[Glutton4...]

Your new Girls look lovely!

My chicken-owning friend has some bluey-coloured Hens, but they look different to yours. In my ignorance I've forgotten what breed they are, but they lay blue/green eggs which she says are lower in cholesterol than others! Don't know if they are, but they're delicious.

Can't wait for Thursday when I can call the BHWT lady.

G4

[Snadger]

Just been on the Cotswold Chickens website to have a look at the write-up about your chooks.
Very impressive, and good egg layers by all accounts.

I bet the Bluebelles eggs 'with a plum blush' will look good?

Well done you!

[MaureenHall]

Thanks Snadger. When the Bluebelles do start laying, I'll have to post a pic of all the different shades of eggs. At the moment, the ex-batts lay all shades from cream to dark brown and one of them (don't know which one) lays "banded" eggs, brown speckledy top and bottom with a while ring round the middle. Her shells are usually a bit thin in the middle but as long as I don't press too hard with the pencil when I'm writing the date on, they're fine for eating

[Flummery]

Oh you lucky girl! I'd love a birthday present like that!

[di]

They're beautiful!And the added bonus that they lay different coloured eggs so you'll know when they start laying!Our 2 newer ones lay almost white eggs,but now I'm wanting one that lays "plum blush"!!~not long til christmas!!(meaning pressies not eating chooks!!)

[SarzWix]

They're gorgeous Maureen, what a thoughtful & exciting birthday present