Advice needed- 2 mo old alone and merge with flock

[BEggRN]

I currently have three 4 month old hens and found myself in a situation where 1 of my 2 month olds is suddenly alone. (I had 2 roosters from each group that are now rehomed, and my other 2 month old chick is missing- possible predator or possible that it was scared and got out when mowing the lawn.)
Advice needed about what to do with the baby who is now alone. They have been living separately alongside the older girls for just over 2 weeks. Tried to allow together a couple of days, but I felt they were being picked on too much and separated them again. They were never together overnight in the coop.
What should I do now? I could try to get another chick for the 2 mo old, but then they wouldn't be quarantined, attempt to merge with the older hens, or leave her alone another few weeks and try to merge again. Advice please! None seem like a great solution, so I definitely need those with experience to help me make a decision.

Thanks! (Pics of my flocks when they were whole )

 

[LaFleche]

I would try and put the friendliest of the 4 month old pullets with the lonely 2 month old for at least 2 weeks. Then add another.

After 4 weeks they should be fine to mingle all together.

 

[BEggRN]

I would try and put the friendliest of the 4 month old pullets with the lonely 2 month old for at least 2 weeks. Then add another.

After 4 weeks they should be fine to mingle all together.

Such a beautifully simple answer that never crossed my mind. Thank you!

 

[LaFleche]

You're welcome. Let us know how it works for your girls.

 

[aart]

I would try and put the friendliest of the 4 month old pullets with the lonely 2 month old for at least 2 weeks. Then add another.

Yes, this!^^^.
If the first bird you try doesn't work, try another.
Mixing and matching can throw a wrench some distraction into the pecking order.

Some of these tips may apply and help:
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Mrs. K]

Just what I was going to mention, adding one to her, then another...

But at that point, try flipping them, putting the three where the big girls were, and the older ones where the youngster was, that helps too.

 

[Pghelp]

I currently have three 4 month old hens and found myself in a situation where 1 of my 2 month olds is suddenly alone. (I had 2 roosters from each group that are now rehomed, and my other 2 month old chick is missing- possible predator or possible that it was scared and got out when mowing the lawn.)
Advice needed about what to do with the baby who is now alone. They have been living separately alongside the older girls for just over 2 weeks. Tried to allow together a couple of days, but I felt they were being picked on too much and separated them again. They were never together overnight in the coop.
What should I do now? I could try to get another chick for the 2 mo old, but then they wouldn't be quarantined, attempt to merge with the older hens, or leave her alone another few weeks and try to merge again. Advice please! None seem like a great solution, so I definitely need those with experience to help me make a decision.View attachment 2198793
View attachment 2198794Thanks! (Pics of my flocks when they were whole )

I've dealt with trying to integrate one lonely hen into an established small flock of 3 and I'm currently trying to merge a flock of 6 2-month olds with our last remaining 2 older ones. I have to say it's much less stressful with the larger group. Integrating the one meant she was always the victim and the others joined in attacking the one. Now we have the 2 older ones and although they might chase and peck at one loner they are hesitant to go after the gang of 6 or even if there are 3 or 4 together. I think the merge will go much easier putting the group with the old girls. That said, I would consider looking for another juvenile chick or two near the sane age to go with your only. It may work shifting your hens around but I have discovered there is safety and security in numbers. At present we kind of have 2 co-existing flocks, the 2 old ladies and the 6 littles and they all hang out together separately!

 

[BEggRN]

Night one went well. I think we made a good choice with which hen to pair with the baby. The younger was a little freaked out, but my older girl barely messed with her at all. She does seem to really want to be back with her sisters in the big pen. When I let them out this morning, they both seemed good and doing their chickeny things.
Thanks again!