Looks like we're expanding our flock.

[LittleBrownFrog]

We've had our three ex-bats for about 6 weeks. On the day I collected them, I also collected three for a friend who has decided (because she is only getting one egg a day between the three of them) to have two killed and to replace them with 2 point-of-lays. I feel awful about this. I initially said to dh that I wouldn't take them on, because we have a 'plan' and have made sure that we have enough space to be able to get another two or three hens if/when we reach a point where ours are barely laying. But ... have been thinking about it today & have decided to 'rescue' them after all.
I'm just off to read the 'introducing new chickens' thread & formulate a plan of action .... then I just need to tell dh

[Grannyof4]

How could she.......rescue plan into action.....well done. I would take them but probably not in the right area.

[Totally Scrambled]

LBF,
Easily done. Start plying him with drink, when he is seeing double slip the new girls in. He'll never notice the difference
Dom

[LittleBrownFrog]

She's pretty sure they're all laying, but only every three days - she's just keeping her favourite. I'm going to try to persuade her to let me take all three. Can't see the point of 'rescuing' them from a life as egg-laying machines only to kill them off if they don't perform.

We're going away next Monday. If I get the new girls in tomorrow night, do you think all will have settled by then? My neighbours are pretty good, but I'm not sure about leaving them in charge of supervising the pecking order struggle

[Steve the Gas]

If you get them quick - you stand a chance.

[Mad Chick]

I'm a bit shocked that she would rescue ex-batts in the first place if eggs are her priority, but I suppose we all live and learn. It would be awful if they were killed after all they have been through. Well done you for taking them on

How long are you going to be away for? Introductions can be fairly vicious for a good couple of weeks. I would be very concerned about leaving a neighbour in charge if things haven't settled. Is there any way your friend can be persuaded to hang on to them until you get back? Or is there any way you can rig up a temporary run until your return? I think you need a back-up plan in case all hell brakes loose... unless your neighbour has the time to oversee the squabbling

Lucy x

[jannie]

I hope your friend realises that buying 2 point of lays doesn't mean she's guaranteed 2 eggs every day...I've had 6 eggs off Roxy in 3 months... she's spent the rest of the time broody...just as well I don't think of her as an egg laying machine....

[_kerry1979_]

I'm left speechless by your friend doesn't sound to me like she should have any sort of animal!

Anyway well done you for rescuing them from her. I would deffo try and get them all!

Good luck

Keep us posted

[LittleBrownFrog]

If it looks like there's going to be trouble then I can set up a temporary run next to the main run, but the new girls will have to sleep in cat baskets lol We'll sort something out.

[LittleBrownFrog]

LBF,
Easily done. Start plying him with drink, when he is seeing double slip the new girls in. He'll never notice the difference
Dom

I didn't even need to go to such lengths Dom ... he walked in about half an hour ago and said 'are they here yet?' - apparently I am *that* predictable, and when I said yesterday that I definitely wasn't going to take them on, he didn't believe me for a second

Anyway ... it's all arranged, I'm collecting them tomorrow morning, will fence off a temporary area for them at the bottom of the garden & then send them in with the others at bedtime & cross my fingers.

Another friend has offered to take them on as well, so if we have major problems introducing them & it looks like they won't be settled before we go away, then we at least have a 'plan B' .

[Mad Chick]

Great news

It's always good to have a plan B. You probably won't need it but it will take the pressure off. Good luck for tomorrow, keep us posted

Lucy x

[lizziedoggarden]

Good luck!!

I had to do the same..my friend got 8 then decided he only wanted 6 , he was going to kill them but I got them before he had the chance! Hes my friend but what a mean man!!

[Lola]

she's just keeping her favourite.

That is so sad, poor chickens but well done you for rescuing them!

[Annie]

well done you for taking the ex batts on hope it goes smoothly . You are certainly a better person than me (Annie) cos I wwould be feeling a little less than friendly at the moment. We hope to get our first ex batts at the start of September and of course we are hoping for eggs once they have settled in but basically they are going to be outdoor pets and will live out their lives to their natural end.

[Bambi]

I think your friend should be ashamed of herself !!! Those poor little chooks think yeah here we come freedom to be faced with you're not working for your keep off with your heads - utterly shameless !!!!

She shouldn't be allowed to keep headlice never mind chickens

Oh i feel better now that is off my chest xxx

Heres to a happy and long life with you