Hello everyone!! We currently have 2 Bantam Australorps named Blanche and Sophia. We would like introduce a third little girl. My question is will it be a smooth introduction because they are the same breed, size and age? I'm hoping for a stress free, easy and peaceful integration. Any feed back would be appreciated as we have never introduced a new chicken. Thanks so much!!
I should add that we have a crate for new chicken (we are getting her tomorrow) I plan on putting the crate directly into the run so they see and hear their new friend. I've read that 1 week separated is good but I have also read about people introducing the new hen at night while everyone is asleep. Some people put the new hen in isolation for month too...so much info not sure what to do
The main reason for keeping new chickens separate and as far away from your existing flock is to try and prevent any disease that the newbie has being spread to your existing flock - quarantine. Whatever the time period, thereafter, there are a number of ways of going about integration. Here's a few links that should help you develop a strategy that suits you. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1015820/reintegration-by-supervised-visits#post_15742910 https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1098683/introducing-new-chickens-to-old-flock#post_16895615 Good luck CT
Thank you so much CT! The links were extremely informative. I've learn A LOT!! You can never be too cautious introducing chickens to a flock. That's for your time!
