How big?

[binza1979]

We picked up 5 bantam chicken at an auction and they are currently living in our old rabbit hutch. We need to modify the hutch to accommodate them better. Right now, the two breeds are separated. We have three black rosecombs and two old english games. We have 2 roos and are nervous about putting them together. Our rabbit hutch is divided down the middle since we used to have 2 male rabbits.

So, I guess I have three questions:
1. Can the roos live together in harmony?
2. How big should the "run" be for all 5?
3. If the roos can't live together, could I safely separate the run down the middle with just chicken wire?

Thanks bunches!

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Maybe. The odds are against it, but certainly it works for some particular individuals. The only way to find out would be to try. Sometimes they are fine for a while and then one day someone snaps and you only have one rooster, so it is definitely riskier than separating them, but it *does* work in some situations. I do not think it is possible to predict what will happen in a particular case, other than if the roos are vigorously attacking at each other thru cage wire when separated it is probably not good to even try putting them together.

2. How big should the "run" be for all 5?

As big as you possibly can, if you're going to try to have the two roosters together. It would help to have some "habitat complexity" in there, like perches they can hop/fly up to, objects on the ground they can duck behind, etc.

3. If the roos can't live together, could I safely separate the run down the middle with just chicken wire?

Maybe. Some will fight so badly thru chickenwire that it's just not safe, and need an opaque barrier. Others are fine once they realize that other guy can't actually come mate MY hens. They're all different.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat​

 

[binza1979]

Thanks for you info. When we bought them at auction, they all rode home together in the same dog crate and were fine, but I think they were a bit in shock from all the handling. Both roos seem pretty docile, but...

I guess we'll try them together and watch them closely and then decide if we are going to split the hutch or keep it separate.