Adding new chicks to a single hen

[kensor601]

So I did have 4 chickens, but three were roosters and they were sold just recently. Unfortunately my one hen, nearly 5 months, is by herself in the coop/run. I have acquired 3 more pullets. The oldest being 6 weeks, then the other two are 3 weeks and 2.5 weeks. Those three are all together and get along great!
My problem is, when do I add the pullets to the older hen? I've heard 2 months and 4 months. Also, would it be bad to add all three pullets at the same time? Is there a chance they would gang up or something on the single hen? Or should I just do the oldest girl first and then wait to do the next two? (Which I also plan to get one more pullet in about a week and I've heard it's bad to just introduce a single chick into a flock). Thanks in advance!!

 

[Loghousemom]

My experience is that it is better to add more than one bird at a time. Adding a single hen to an established flock can bring about excessive pecking while the pecking order is re-established. It might be alright in this case since your current single hen is the oldest and will most likely be the head of the flock. You could try it and watch carefully as they establish their places to be certain no one is getting hurt.

I usually introduce new birds to The rest of the flock at around 2 months. It seems that they are close the same size and it works well for me. I like to pen them separately inside the coop with the older birds for a while then open it and let them roam the coop while the older hens are out ranging but separate at night. After a few days Then I let them all range together and give them all one space at night. I say I use a week to 2 weeks to integrate. I have never had a lot of aggression towards any birds when I integrate this way.

Good luck

 

[kensor601]

Thanks so much!! Hopefully it'll all go smoothly