do I, or don't I, bring on a new hen?

[maryhbrock]

I am the Ultimate urban backyard chicken gal. 18 months ago, I got two Easter egger chicks, one was a boy, so we sent him to a friends ranch.

Ok, since his pal was alone as a teenager, we bought two wyandotte pullets. And until a couple days ago, these gals were fast friends. Then I found one in the run, deceased.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Something else to consider before adding birds (whether 1 or more) is to also assess your space and ensure you have enough to safely integrate birds. You will also need to decide if you're going to quarantine any new additions (and set up to accommodate that), which would be recommended for any bird(s) other than newly/recently hatched chicks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...nderestimated-part-of-raising-chickens.67097/

 

[MadamContrary]

I'd hold off a bit to make sure it was not something contagious. Birds do just pass sometimes, especial in hot weather, but better safe than sorry.
But, definitely stick with pairs when adding to the flock so the newcomers are less likely to be bullied than a single chicken would.

 

[aart]

Something else to consider before adding birds (whether 1 or more) is to also assess your space and ensure you have enough to safely integrate birds.

Ditto Dat!

 

[Mrs. K]

As I am sure you are getting the message - SPACE is the limiting factor - and your birds are not full grown, as in they are going to get bigger...and coops don't get bigger unless a lot of work is applied. Countless stories on here, how all was wonderful, raised together...then went to hell - because of not enough space.

So measure your coop and take some pictures. Chicken math gets all of us, and it can be ugly.

Someone asked about breeds and space - I think the bantams can get by with a little bit less space...but not a lot. Same thing with 'free ranging' an hour or 2 a day, not going to make up for too small of set up.

We just don't want you to have a wreck. Often times people with small flocks like yours, go with a pre-fab coop - and they grossly overstate how many birds will fit. What is oodles of room when they are chick, rapidly becomes not enough room.

Mrs k

 

[MadamContrary]

If you introduce more, it should be another pair. However, I'd investigate cause of death before getting any more birds. Any idea of what happened?

 

[aart]

the place that has the wheaten also has a OE the same age my understanding is "typically" all these breeds would have a calm friendly personality. and should get along?

That can all change when their territory is 'invaded'.

Here's some tips about.....
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/

 

[aart]

does age and breed play a factor?

Not really.
Space is most important.
Adding a single bird is the hardest integration.

 

[rosemarythyme]

does age and breed play a factor? I have 2 24 month silkies and 1 24 month bantam cochin want to add a 2 month old wheaten ameraucana

It can, but even docile birds will still want to protect their territory and resources from outsiders. That said, it's probably slightly easier/safer to add a standard bird into a bantam flock, vs the reverse, simply because the size difference isn't as great. But you'll still need an integration plan.

 

[Mrs. K]

You have a lot more room than I thought. Go for it.