1 chicken out of 4 survived an attack.

[HardestyChicks]

I bought all 4 of my chickens in June 2024 as babies. Today, 30 October 2024 something killed 3 of them. When, how and what is the best age of the new chickens/chicks to introduce to my chicken who survived?

 

[CombNWattles]

I’m so sorry for your losses.
It’s probably best to get companions for your remaining bird as soon as possible. Chickens need a flock, and being surrounded by companions may help your remaining bird to de-stress.

However, I would suggest getting birds that are at least a month or two old, or getting chicks and waiting to introduce them until then. They should be big enough to run away from or stand up to the older bird.
Also, getting at least three or four new birds will help the introduction be more equal.

In the meantime, spending time with your remaining bird will help her not be lonely, and allow you to monitor her for signs of shock.

 

[CHlCKEN]

First, how did three of them die? Do you know what predator got to them? How it got to them? Is their coop and run secure and predator proof to ensure no further fatalities may occur?

Since your current bird is probably incredibly traumatized, I’d focus on lowering her stress levels (which will also be increased by isolation). I’ve found lavender to sometimes be helpful in calming. I usually use it to deter bugs but it has a good effect on my birds too. Give her plenty of treats and keep water fresh. Make sure she can also sleep at night without being harassed by predators outside. Being with her often, chatting and sharing company will help her a lot too.

When your new chicks are about 6 or 7 weeks old (feathered) you can set up a partition in their run so that the babies live on one side and your current bird on the other all while being able to see each other and interact without touching. I usually keep that set up until the young birds have grown enough that they’ll be blue to defend themselves if pecked at and until everyone seems comfortable being together. That’s usually another two to three weeks.

 

[HardestyChicks]

First, how did three of them die? Do you know what predator got to them? How it got to them? Is their coop and run secure and predator proof to ensure no further fatalities may occur?

Since your current bird is probably incredibly traumatized, I’d focus on lowering her stress levels (which will also be increased by isolation). I’ve found lavender to sometimes be helpful in calming. I usually use it to deter bugs but it has a good effect on my birds too. Give her plenty of treats and keep water fresh. Make sure she can also sleep at night without being harassed by predators outside. Being with her often, chatting and sharing company will help her a lot too.

When your new chicks are about 6 or 7 weeks old (feathered) you can set up a partition in their run so that the babies live on one side and your current bird on the other all while being able to see each other and interact without touching. I usually keep that set up until the young birds have grown enough that they’ll be blue to defend themselves if pecked at and until everyone seems comfortable being together. That’s usually another two to three weeks.

Thanks for the information I will work on all of it. She is already inside with me in a kennel secured behind a door when I’m not with her. She will never be alone while waiting for new birds. They were attacked by one of our dogs in the yard while they were on free range.

 

[Squawkers]

That's so sad, I'm sorry

 

[HardestyChicks]

I’m so sorry for your losses.
It’s probably best to get companions for your remaining bird as soon as possible. Chickens need a flock, and being surrounded by companions may help your remaining bird to de-stress.

However, I would suggest getting birds that are at least a month or two old, or getting chicks and waiting to introduce them until then. They should be big enough to run away from or stand up to the older bird.
Also, getting at least three or four new birds will help the introduction be more equal.

In the meantime, spending time with your remaining bird will help her not be lonely, and allow you to monitor her for signs of shock.

Thank you for all of the guidance. She will be inside with me protected until we get her a new flock. My heart breaks for her. I didn’t have them long but I really loved them, we spent a great deal of time together.

 

[HardestyChicks]

That's so sad, I'm sorry

Thank you, I feel bad that I wasn’t there to protect them.

 

[CHlCKEN]

They were attacked by one of our dogs in the yard while they were on free range.

So sorry this happened. It’s a big fear of mine too. I hope you didn’t have to watch.

 

[Squawkers]

Thank you, I feel bad that I wasn’t there to protect them.

I get that. I free range my chickens also, and I know that at any minute something could happen. I just feel like my girls happiness is more important than a possible attack. I’m sure your girls had the best life they could have had.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chicks or older birds will work, but there's pros and cons to each.

Very young chicks from a reputable source have a low risk of being disease vectors, but you will need to brood them until they're old enough to go without heat. Assuming you're in the northern hemisphere that may be more difficult depending on how cold/wet it is, and if you can even source chicks at this time. I have only ever added chicks but I would not want to try it in winter, as I brood outdoors.

Older birds let you skip brooding, however they're a higher risk for disease and parasites. It would be advisable to do up to 30 days of biological quarantine https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...nderestimated-part-of-raising-chickens.67097/ before you start the integration process. But you might not have room for a second set up for that, and it's not something you can do halfway.

No matter what the ages are of the new birds, you will need to integrate them with the existing one. That means having a plan, extra space, extra resources (food, water), and being able to keep the 2 sides separate for 1-2 weeks while they get used to each other.