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.

 

[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.

 

[maryhbrock]

Sorry, I must hit the post button. To continue... The two left are very happy and healthy, but I can't help wanting another. Should I just let these two friends alone, or introduce another gal pal?

 

[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?

 

[maryhbrock]

Sadly, no. I love talking to them through the window in the coop. Saw two of them on their roost, and walked around the run till I found my ZsaZsa. I was so distressed, that I never thought about necrology, and now it's too late.

 

[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.

 

[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/

 

[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!

 

[Bawkmeow]

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

 

[aart]

does age and breed play a factor?

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