So, I'm going to try to extend my flock this weekend, are my preparations enough?

[becklespeckle]

Hi, I have 3 lovely ex-batts which I have recently moved from an Eglu into a Cube and I would now like to add to my flock. The new hardstanding is ready for the cube to move onto and we have the chippings and everything else is ready so we're hoping to go and get some hybrids at the weekend

Having witnessed bullying by my hens first hand (to a homeless chook we took on who sadly didn't make it) I have concerns but the cube just seems so big for just my 3 and I'd dearly like some more... so this time I think I am prepared... has anyone any other ideas?

I am thinking of getting 2 or 3 girls.

I think we will move the cube onto the new hardstanding on Sunday so its new to all of the girls.

Spray them all with vinegar so they smell the same

I have garden poles to divide the run into 2 and I'm going to put the grubs either side of the 'fence' so they eat together

I have a roomy cat box for the new girls for the first few nights before letting them sleep in the cube

We're hoping to get them early in the day so they can range around together a bit perhaps before going into their 'new' home

I have some anti-peck spray on its way just in case...

Sounds pretty thorough!I always introduce new chickens at night so that they roost togather and never seem to have any real problems - mind you, even by chicken standards mine have very little brain!

Meant to say - mine are quarantined for a week to check for any diseases and I give them a good going over with mite powder before introducing them.

If you still have the eglu you could put the new girls in the eglu and do slow intro's, that is what I have always done and nevr had any trouble. let them free range together for a while then put them in at bed time.

Make sure you keep them apart at first, but so they can see each other, I had to separate mine for about a week, as my new hens were being pecked beyond belief, it was horrible.
They do sort themselves out eventually though.
Good luck and give us an update, as I am considering extending my 'flock' (of 3 !!) so will watch with interest

Thanks for your replies! Unfortunately I don't have the Eglu anymore Ditavonteesed or that would have been my approach, it sold rather quicker than I thought it would.

I'm now thinking (after reading some more about it) that I will probably divide the run, its got an extension on it so quite large, and put the new girls in whilst letting the old ones free range so they can check out their new house mates before getting close. I'll let you know how I get on Plantwoman

(I'm very excited about getting some new girls!)

Good Luck!

Thank you isthatporrigeinmyhair, I'm trying to think positively about it going well, it will be worth the work when they are all settled together

Thanks for all your advice guys, I have moved the chickens into their new area today and they look so happy in it I can't bear to unsettle them, they've had such terrible lives already, so for now I am just sticking to my 3 girls, they all sleep in the nesting box of the cube anyway so hopefully they'll not get chilly in there (less cleaning for me too).