Adding 1 hen to just 2 hens. What to expect?

[theacw]

I have 2 hens, both 1 years old. With each other since day one and get along great.

I want to get a silkie hen but what should I expect adding her to two hens? Are they going to just HATE her and pick on her like crazy? Would I be better off getting 2 hens for her to have someone to bond with?

Also, my coop is 6x6 and run is 10x10. They are in there pretty much 24/7 and I take them out to run around maybe 4 days a week for about an hour a day. Is that going to be enough room for 3 or 4 hens without them going crazy?

I just dont know what my 2 girls are going to think because its only been them since day one.

Thoughts?

 

[theacw]

Anyone?

 

[Mrs. K]

You can expect some, to a lot of squabling. I would add two or even three to the two you have. Add them in the dark of night, make sure that they are all the same size. Put some boxes, or other large obstacles to have hideouts in your run. Have multiple feeder and waterers.

If the fighting gets bloody, then you have to step in, or may lose a bird. If it does not, don't. Even if it looks mean. They will get over it, but it does take a bit of time, and when you interfer, it has to start over.

The original two, will be territorial, and the coop/run is THEIR territory. They know each other, and will attack the new comer. It you add two or three new chickens, not just one single chicken will get all of their attention, which can be lethal.
MrsK