Adding a new chicken to my flock, how do I do it safely?

[luvmychickens13]

I currently have six 10 week old chickens, five hens and one roo,and I am going to add another chicken the same age to the flock, but I don't know how to do it safely. Also, will I have to quarantine the bird since it is still so young? Please Help!!!!!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

WELCOME TO BYC!!

It's very hard to introduce one chicken by itself. It's very dangerous too. If at all possible I would try and get that one a buddy.

As far as the best way to introduce, I've found that the "see-but-don't-touch" method is the most effective and less dramatic. This involves placing a barrier in between the two groups so they can can't reach each other but are still "around" each other. After about 3 weeks (maybe a month or more for one chicken) you can slowly mix them. Interfere if there is bloodshed or severe bullying. Take it slow.

Here's some links too.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/06/integrating-new-flock-members-playpen.html
http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2012/04/adding-to-established-flock-pullet.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

Feel free to ask any other questions.

 

[waynem1983]

I made the mistake of adding a single chicken to my pair of buff orps around 3 weeks ago.

The buffs are incredibly docile, but still they were not particularly friendly and would chase my hybrid pullet away if it got near and certainly would not let it share food.

She was left on her own wandering around and would sit in the corner of the garden looking depressed.

I have been very lucky in that 10 days ago one of the BO went broody and the new pullet and remaing BO have decided that instead of both being alone, they would stick together and now are roaming as a pair.

I would not ever add a single chicken again but do it in pairs, just another lesson learned I guess.

 

[luvmychickens13]

Thank you so much!!!! Your advice has been very helpful, but what should I do about quarantining? at this young, is disease still an issue? I will try to get a second chicken to be a buddy to my other chicken.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Thank you so much!!!!   Your advice has been very helpful, but what should I do about quarantining? at this young, is disease still an issue?  I will try to get a second chicken to be a buddy to my other chicken.

Yes, still quarantine for at least 2 weeks.

 

[luvmychickens13]

Thanks