Adding 1 more chicken?

[kierstog]

I have a roo that is 16 weeks, 5 hens that are 13 weeks, and 2 hens that are about 10 weeks. I would really like to add one more hen, maybe a little older than the ones that I have. But then I read that you should only add new chickens in pairs.
Has that been y'all's experience? Do I need to add 2 or none?

 

[sannabelle]

I have added one chicken before, to my flock of 25-30, and I wouldn't do it again.

My hens weren't mean to her, but she was ostracized from the group and quickly became a loner chicken. Very sad seeing her out putting along by herself.

I've since added more hens that are her same breed, and she has her own little clique now.

 

[Pork Pie]

As stated above, it can go south. I have done so, without much of an issue but it's not desirable. Here's a link that may help -
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock

 

[aart]

I have a roo that is 16 weeks, 5 hens that are 13 weeks, and 2 hens that are about 10 weeks. I would really like to add one more hen, maybe a little older than the ones that I have. But then I read that you should only add new chickens in pairs.
Has that been y'all's experience? Do I need to add 2 or none?

Better to integrate in groups, or at least pairs.
Keep in mind that it's best to have extra and separate space for integration.

 

[Chickassan]

I've done it once, it was a long drawn out fiasco. If you value your sanity at all at least add two or just don't do it.

 

[Mrs. K]

As to your whole set up, do be sure you measure your whole set up, because what can seem like a lot of space when the birds are smaller can rapidly become too small of place when your birds grow up. This can cause a whole lot of ugly behavior. Your birds have a lot of growing to do.

I would be quite wary of that rooster. He is rapidly getting to the age, where he can be a real and possibly violent problem. Roosters in my experience, take a lot of chicken experience. They can ruin the whole chicken experience for a lot of people. He is your oldest bird, and roosters mature much earlier than the pullets. He is going to be bigger and wanting sexual favors long before the pullets are ready. Due to his size, he will bully them and attack them. He may become such a bully, he may try and attack you or your family. You have years to do this hobby, think on adding a rooster next year. If you can rehome him or cull him, that would give you a bit more room to add 2 more pullets.

As to your original questions, I would not add a single bird. EVERY ONE in the flock will attack her, no matter how nice they seem now. It is hard. When you add a couple of birds, well all that chasing and pecking is tiring, and it spreads it out over two or more birds. The older hens will give up sooner, and the new bird has a partner. Adding more birds is much easier.

Mrs K

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with Mrs K. While you want to add just one more bird, you need to think about what is in the best interests of your flock. Adding a new bird will disrupt any flock harmony you have right now, and will be terrorizing for the poor gal that gets thrust into that situation. Imagine being the new kid in a new school, and going out to recess, where all the other kids want to beat you up. That's integration for a single pullet.