New hen seems scared

Carolyn227

In the Brooder
8 Years
Apr 30, 2011
80
0
39
My BIL dropped off his last remaining hen yesterday. He's been having predator issues and they decided to rehome rather than to risk another attack. She's a sexlink and she's really docile and pretty. She's secluded for now in her own pen, but the other hens are squacking at her big time. She's been on the perch all day long and hasn't done anything. I don't think she's been eating at all. I put in a nesting box and plenty of food and water but I haven't seen her venture off at all. My girls are already attached to her very much, and I want her to thrive. I'm worried that she was hurt somewhat in the last predator attack, or that she's in shock over being moved or due to the attack. What can I do to help her?
 
Be patient. She's stressed from the attack, the move, and now being placed in a strange place with strange chickens. Let her keep her own place for a week or so so that she can acclimate. If she doesn't go on her own, get her down from her perch and put her near the food or offer her some in hand. Just don't be surprised if she's reluctant about it at first. This is a huge, scary change for her, so give her time and make the introduction with the rest of the flock slow (a 2-week quarantine is a real good idea anyway - use the time to have a fecal sample from her checked for worms and do a thorough check yourself of her for lice, mites, fleas, etc to be sure she doesn't give your flock anything).
 

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