Adding to my flock

[kburruano]

If you have seen my other posts, my son lost one of his two chickens last week. I've found a lady that needs to re-home some hens. I've gotten mixed feedback on if that is going to work (taking them). Is this something that would truly be an issue? And also, I know there is protocol for introducing new hens. Can someone clarify that for me? Ty!

*Our current hen is. Rhode Island Red/White Rock mix and the new hens would be Leghorns.

 

[Lauravonsmurf]

It can work…

First though read up on bio security on here… you are going to want to isolate them from your existing flock for a bit to make sure they are healthy…

Then I usually set up some sort of pen or Cage or coop next to the preexisting flock this way the two groups see, smell and hear each other for a good bit, then I set up ways for new or preexisting birds to have hiding or evasion spots… then I start supervised visitations between the groups… if all looks pretty good eventually I just leave them all together, I sort of do it all in steps and stages, observe them to identify problems and minimize them. If the birds have space that helps. Different height roosts help…

They have to work out their pecking order so expect a little drama but if you take it in stages and slowly let them get to know each other it should be okay.

I have introduced new birds several times without too many issues. If they get mean just go back a step and give them more time in separate pens but in such say they have to see each other.

I hope this helps

 

[Sally PB]

There a couple of things that might be an issue.

The new-to-you hens need to be quarantined, and 30 days is the suggested time. You want to be sure that they don't have any diseases or pests that could spread to your chicken. Do you have a way to do that? Search for threads on quarantining birds for some more quick information.

Next, the integration process *could* be a problem. You really are adding one bird -- yours-- to an established flock. Adding one pullet/hen can be the most difficult integration; the loner is seen as an intruder and could be attacked. The process can go quickly and smoothly... or not. (I've never done this.) Some people recommend pairing the most calm of the larger flock with the single bird for a period of time, so that the single bird has a friend. Then putting the two groups together.

Do you have enough space for the additional birds? Space helps A LOT with integration, so the lone bird can get away from the others. Most people do a "look, don't touch" period. The two groups are separated by a fence, but can see each other.

Can you post pictures of your coop/run? That would help us to know more particulars about your situation.

It would be great for everyone if this works out!

 

[kburruano]

I have space. But it will have to be in a diff part of the yard.
That is the space for my girl now. This lady has six hens and they won't roost in their coop but in the space between the coop and the building the coop is in.
I'll need to get another coop for them. I can take as many as I like and was only planning on taking two.
I don't know what else to do for the remaining chicken that I do have. I don't want her to be lonely. My son can only stay outside with her so long before other things need to get done.

 

[ChickenLeg]

I agree Id keep them seperate for 3 or 4 weeks and personally I treat new birds for worms, mites, and coccidiosis to be on the safe side. Then Id just let them all run around in the pen together and watch them, they might chase each other and peck but if they arent overcrowded you should be pretty well set

 

[ChickenLeg]

2 hens sounds like a good amount to add with her

 

[kburruano]

I agree Id keep them seperate for 3 or 4 weeks and personally I treat new birds for worms, mites, and coccidiosis to be on the safe side. Then Id just let them all run around in the pen together and watch them, they might chase each other and peck but if they arent overcrowded you should be pretty well set

Is that like a diatomaceous earth treatment, or like get meds from the vet?

 

[ChickenLeg]

Coccidiosis I use Corid, mites I use ivermectin pour on, and worms I use Valbazen, all can be bought online, feed stores, or tractor supply

Is that like a diatomaceous earth treatment, or like get meds from the vet?

 

[Mrs. K]

It is very difficult to do a proper quarantine. There is a risk, but really you are only risking one bird. To me, healthy looks healthy. Ask if the people you are getting them from do shows or buy birds at auctions, those birds definitely have the possibility of being exposed to diseases, but birds that have been raised in a single flock, have a risk, but drastically reduced.

A trick that has worked well for me, is to take the original bird, and put her in a dog crate. Meanwhile, let the new birds, explore the coop/run area. Feed all birds so that they are eating close together, but separated for a day or two.

Day three (I really don't have the patience a lot of people on here do) very close to dark, I would let them all mingle together in the run. What I would expect is a little bluster. Mock chasing, a feather or two pulled, but then the urge to go to roost.

You have a very small coop, you might just take one hen, I think that one hen on one hen is apt to work it out much easier. And would fit better in the coop.

Mrs K

 

[3KillerBs]

I have nothing to add other than to wish you good luck.

I don't have any Leghorns, but I have a California White, which is Leghorn-adjacent. She is bold, curious, adventurous, and active. She's not a snuggle-pet (none of my birds are), but she's wonderfully entertaining.