Adding hens to flock?

[bdog]

I lost four laying hens to a Fox!

I am get 6 new hens!

How do I introduce the new birds? Do I just put them with the others? Do I need to keep them in the 25x25 yard and coop for a couple of days before letting them free range?

Any other suggestion will be appreciated!

Thanks,

Jimmy

 

[fried green eggs]

Can you temporarily divide the coop/run so your other hens can get use to new girls. Or put new hens in at night after others are asleep. Yes new hens need to be kept in for a few days so, they know where home is.

 

[Lollipop]

Jimmy, it's always a good idea to quarrentine new fowl for 3-4 weeks to be sure they aren't bringing a disease into your flock. Ya can't tell by looking at new birds, but over a period of time, their actions will give it away. Assuming they are healthy after quarrentine, they can be added to your flock. You can expect fights and squabbles as pecking order is worked out. Pay attention in case somebody bleeds, in which case that bird must be seperated and treated until she recovers. Cannibalism is real among chickens. Hope it goes smoothly for ya. This is worst case scenario that I mentioned. Good luck.........Pop

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Any time you add birds you should first quarantine them for at least 2 weeks and observe for parasites and disease.
Next they integrate best if they can free range together - see and play with each other but with room to get away from bullies and preoccupied by foraging.
It's best to add like quantities and sizes. Eventually I just put them on the roost at night and if they have sufficient space there's rarely a problem.

 

[bdog]

Thanks for the advice!

MY Best,

Jimmy