Moving hens

[Lisasbolt]

They seem content. Love the run, we need to sort out a new one this year, hopefully will make something also.

[Scarlet]

I don't let them out of their run when its howling or lashing rain, which is quite frequent at the moment so they are often in their run for several days but never a sign of an egg.

Are they old Verinda? I know you keep hybrids but during the winter they often don't lay. I keep traditional birds and usually after year two we rarely see an egg after moult, till mid feb usually.Were they moulting when you moved them? Worming them would help too if you haven't already.

[Verinda]

I think they were about three or so years when I got them and I've had them for two and a half years. Could it just be that their egg laying days are over?

I moved them last August, I don't think they were moulting but they were laying, it all stopped the minute they were moved and never appeared to start again. They could be due a worming. I would like traditional hens next, although I do love my exbatts and love to see them foraging and just leading a happy life after the barn experience.

[Scarlet]

They may have been stressed and stopped or they carried on laying but you just didn't find the eggs. They often get a little disturbed and can't decide where's best to sit. On occassion I have collected one or two eggs, put them down while ive done a little weeding and forgotten them - a day later and their gone! Birds, hedgehogs () and probably rats have a feast. Though I'm very surprised that you have hybrids at 5 and a half years old!! Personally I think you will be lucky to get another egg from them, and if you do you won't get many. My old maran probably gave me only 4 or 5 eggs last year age 9. She died before the winter. Hybrids generally have a shorter lifespan though that's not to say they haven't got a few more years yet to go.

[Verinda]

Ah then I will accept they are just pets and unlikely to lay anymore eggs. The downside is that I can't get anymore hens, my two are so happy I can't bring myself to upset them. I'm also worried that one will die leaving the other alone.

I just wanted to add that 9 years old is surely a fantastic age for a hen and still laying the occasional egg! Maran's must be great to have.

[Scarlet]

Marans are also pets! They don't lay often and they are always broody but they have a lovely nature and if you need a broody hen they are always available.

They may well start chucking out eggs in a month or so, I just wouldn't be that worried about it if they don't at their age. If a young bird stops laying there's usually a reason for it.

[Verinda]

Thank you Scarlet, I'll let you know if any eggs turn up anywhere! I would love a couple of marans, maybe a couple of Rhode Island Reds as well, not that I know much about them but they look beautiful.

[Verinda]

I was so sad this morning to open up the hen house and find that Milly had died and poor Alice was alone. Milly had seemed a little under the weather over the past few days but was still enjoying life. Not sure what to do now, perhaps I can find one older hen it would be better company for Alice rather than a few younger hens. Its such a cold night, she's used to huddling up beside Milly.

[Scarlet]

Oh, I'm so sorry for you Verinda winging big hugs your way. Thry are very old for hybrids and you have spoilt them rotten She may well need a little company though if you are giving her lots of attention during the day I wouldn't worry about it just yet. It may cause her more upset to introduce another hen just yet.
I'm not really sure what's best but I think I'd hang fire until you can get some young pullets?

[veggiechicken]

(((Hugs))) Verinda. Sad times xx

[Bal]

So sorry to hear about poor Milly xx

[Verinda]

Thank you everyone much appreciated xxx

We gave her a proper funeral, wrapped her in a pillowcase and buried her beside Maggie and Tilly. Alice and Molly the dog and Colin our cat attended the funeral! The four of them were always together and out gardening with me, I'm sure they knew one of their gang had passed on.

Scarlet I think you are right, I will give Alice lots of attention and company I think a new hen would be too stressful for her, I couldn't live with that.

[Lisasbolt]

Oh Verinda i am so sorry. Rabbits live very happily with chickens.........
You could put a stuffed teddy bear it the house in the corner she might snuggle up to.

[Verinda]

We have an ancient (seven or eight year old) guinea pig but she's too old to move into the hen house although her hutch is in the hen run and they do watch each other. A teddy bear tied on the perch might be a good idea though, she may well snuggle up to it at night, thank you Lisa

[Verinda]

I put this cuddly owl on the perch and tied him firmly with wool. Alice kept walking in and glaring at it and I wondered if I was making a horrible mistake but in fact she went to bed early and when I looked in she was snuggled up to the owl I was delighted. Thank you Lisa, great suggestion x