2 Single Ladies

[ceejstrak]

Hi all,

I'm in a bit of a pickle and could use some advise. We currently have one hen left from our small flock (1 natural death, 1 raccoon attack, 1 rooster in disguise) and she's been great and happy this summer all by herself. The seasons are turning, and a harsh Idaho winter is right around the corner. My sister-in-law also only has one hen left from her flock and is also concerned about what to do over the winter. Do you think it would be better to combine them so they have a friend over the dark/cold/lonesome winter, or would a single hen be fine by herself? Do you think there would be tension between 2 single ladies that might cause problems?

Thanks for any info. We just want what's best for our last gal.

 

[pennyJo1960]

it would be better to have them together over the winter put them so they can see other but not together if it is the first time let them see but not touch to start

 

[RonP]

I would agree, chickens are sociable animals and prefer to be among a group or flock.

 

[aart]

I would agree, chickens are sociable animals and prefer to be among a group or flock.

Agrees.

Do you think there would be tension between 2 single ladies that might cause problems?

Any integration can/will cause tension and stress. The fact that they may be pining for companionship might ease the process, but territoriality may well still be in play.

Here's some tips on integration that might help.
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock