4 Year Old Chicken Introduction

[SkylaSilkie]

I have just gotten a 4 year old Rhode Island Red, and the introduction isn't going so well. She has gotten attacked by my younger chickens, who are all about 1 year old. The before owner didn't feed her the right food at the right time, so she is smaller. She hasn't layed eggs in about 3 months, so I have been told. Any advise on how to introduce her?

 

[Judy]

Maybe make her her own area right next to the others where they can see and hear each other, and keep her there for a few weeks first. Meanwhile, see if you can give her a little extra nutrition and fatten her up just a little -- maybe a can of canned fish over a few days, etc. If you have to keep them together, have an extra feeder and waterer, and supervise a bit to be sure she gets to eat and drink. If no blood is drawn, they will work something out on their own.