Should I? Shouldnt I?

[dexterdoglancashire]

After rehoming Fanny to OWG, methinks I have a vacancy (or two).
I'm really tempted to get two more girls, from "happy chicks", just round the corner from OWG actually!
I was just a bit worried about settling any new girls in with Kaye and Clarissa.
Question is: Should I go and get my new girls tomorrow?
I wouldnt be able to keep my eye on them during the week and Im away next weekend, but Mr DDL could.
Should I or should I leave getting new girls for a couple of weeks?
Any tips on integrating new and old girls?

[RedThorn]

errm please can we see the pics of the new girls

[dexterdoglancashire]

errm please can we see the pics of the new girls

I havent even been to see any yet. Photos certainly when/if I get them. What do you think about my timing? Carp or good?

[RedThorn]

personally I think go for it. If it would make you feel better, perhaps buy on Saturday, watch on Sunday. If tomorrow, get them home with about 1hr to 2hrs of daylight, let them mix then throw together to sleep.

What I meant with the above post is ...go for it , you got them yet? pic's please

[tlck9]

I had my 3 ex batts in their own run within the main run, with their own sleeping quarters. After a few days I let them go into the main run during the day, but let them choose where they went during the night.

The only issue was when I wanted them to go into the main coop there was some fights, but eventually and I'm still doing it, I ensure the newbies go in without being pecked (i get pecked as I put my arm in to allow the new ones room to go in and get adjusted.

This has worked with limited issues. Although I do wonder if I should have placed them in from the first night, but keep them seperate during the day.

But peace is getting there, although poor curly did get the brunt of the picking on and would hide hunched up behind the coop even if it rained, which probably didnt help her much

[its hilly]

Get them, wait till dark, spray everyone with dilute vinigar to make them all smell the same, then pop new ones on perch with the others.
I haven't tried the vinigar trick but its been recommended on here frequently.

Please note..I didnt even mention the no word

[frias]

My niece uses the vinegar trick all the time but she does have a very large area for her chickens so lots of places for newbies to hide. I tried it when I got 3 new ex-batts. It worked for a couple of days then we had lots of bullying and I had to spend time with the girls so I could put a stop to it. When the broody raised chicks we put a small run inside the big run and once the chicks were big enough, let them freerange together for an hour before bed and then gradually increased the time together. I think the second way is less stressful for the newbies but either way they do eventually all get on. Do get at least 2. Good luck!

[Snadger]

Can a duck swim and quack?

[Nicos]

Being a paranoid sort of person I'd wait a couple of weeks unless you're confident of how your OH would cope.
I'd also want to actually see how they're getting on- that's part of having new members of your 'family' isn't it??

There ya go- I didn't say no- just think about it first

( Are they still available in 2 weeks?- if not then maybe tomorrow is the answer after all?????)

[dexterdoglancashire]

I havent read any of your replied until I got up this morning - I was excited gettting up because I wanted to see what you advised . Methinks I'll just have a drive up there and have a look..............

[Hans Mum]

you know you want to(will!!!!) ......photos of the new girls when you get back please

[selfraising]

Yeah go for it Bernie, you know you want to!

[MaureenHall]

Don't forget to take boxes/carriers with you

[dexterdoglancashire]

Well, I went, just for a look round, you understand...............................
yes, I took the cat basket with me, just in case, you understand.............
now I'm back......................................

[frias]

And ???