- May 6, 2012
- 7
- 0
- 7
So, yes, I know adding just one chicken is not ideal, but a friend of mine had two of her chickens eaten by a dog and she was left with just one. She decided because she couldn't figure out how a dog kept getting in to just not have chickens for now. Well, even though I had HUGE misgivings about adding only one chicken, I took her. I have a flock of 3. They are a bit older. Well, I have been introducing her slowly. She has been in the coop, but in her own rabbit hutch. The first few days, I let her free roam a bit first, then put her back in, and let my 3 girls roam. After a few days of that, I let them free range together. My girls mostly ignored her. Every so often, my two barred rocks would chase her and threaten her a bit. The new girl would just take off running. It seemed like it wa getting better over the course of two days or so. I was thinking I could start thinking about putting her in the coop at night. Well, yesterday, while free ranging, she went into the coop and started eating...well, they weren't having it! They chase her out quick! I'm worried they will be too mean and not let her have food/water if she she is in the coop. My coop is fairly small and I'm worried about them being in there all together loose. It's been about a week and 3 days....how long before i know she is safe? And any other tips for integrating? They haven't hurt her, or even really seemed pecky, except once. They more just bully her a bit. Not sure what is normal or not. I was thinking about removing one of the barred rocks for a day and seeing if I could upset the power balance, but I can't decide which one! They both seem to go after her equally. Thank you!