- May 11, 2010
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It's always difficult to add/return a bird to a well established flock. Look at the situation in their eyes. The boss hen is no longer the boss. Not only that she is weak and unable to lead the flock. So the next in line has established her leadership skills and will work hard to keep her number one status. Since the ex-boss is not healthy she is considered a liability to the flock and needs to leave before she attracts a predator.
I've been in this situation and since I have a lot of emotional investment with my JG hens, I talked the hubby into making another coop to house my Marans pullets.
However not everybody can afford a new coop so if I were in your situation I would provide the hen with her own protected area within your coop (if it is large enough) Years ago I purchased a Go-Go pen for 90 bucks which has been used on many occasions to house my larger avian patients and introduce newbies to the flock. I fashioned a chicken wire top for it and it has served me well.
Remember in the world of predator and prey animals it is not advantageous to keep unhealthy/injured members around. However, in the human world our urge to nurture the sick and injured is what separates us from the animals. Nature is cruel. We don't have to be cruel. Since your hen is not able to establish any rank in the flock, I would provide her with other accommodations with a buddy bird. I think both of you would be much happier. Maybe later, when she's feeling more robust, you can try returning her to the flock.
Hope this helps.
I've been in this situation and since I have a lot of emotional investment with my JG hens, I talked the hubby into making another coop to house my Marans pullets.
However not everybody can afford a new coop so if I were in your situation I would provide the hen with her own protected area within your coop (if it is large enough) Years ago I purchased a Go-Go pen for 90 bucks which has been used on many occasions to house my larger avian patients and introduce newbies to the flock. I fashioned a chicken wire top for it and it has served me well.
Remember in the world of predator and prey animals it is not advantageous to keep unhealthy/injured members around. However, in the human world our urge to nurture the sick and injured is what separates us from the animals. Nature is cruel. We don't have to be cruel. Since your hen is not able to establish any rank in the flock, I would provide her with other accommodations with a buddy bird. I think both of you would be much happier. Maybe later, when she's feeling more robust, you can try returning her to the flock.
Hope this helps.