Getting to know new hen

[prairie]

I bought a Cornish banty hen (1 yr old) and have her in a large dog carrier now -- right in the chicken house to get to know our other birds. We have 5 aracauna hens, 1 australorp hen, 3 guinea hens, 2 guinea males and 2 ducks. All get along well- they free range all day.

I have kept them in the run and not free ranging since I got my new little Cornish hoping they will get to know each other.

My question is -- how long to you keep new hens segregated before letting them all run together??

thanks

 

[Fierlin1182]

A few weeks should do the trick - however it's recommended you get a couple of new birds at once, that way they can sorta stick together.

 

[prairie]

thanks --I wish I had gotten 2 but only got the one. I was thinking a few days but guess I will wait.

 

[Fierlin1182]

You can always try sooner, and break it apart if the birds do go for each other. It's different with every flock I suppose, as birds all have their own temperaments. I have nice hens, and mean ones.

Anyway, whatever you decide to do, good luck.

 

[prairie]

Thanks, I have decided to wait until Monday and see what happens when I let them all out in the run together. It is a huge run so that might help.