I got my first three chickens last year as 1 day old chicks and they have lived happy lives together in my backyard until last week when my favorite hen suddenly and unexpectedly passed away (we are almost certain she was egg-bound). I now only have 1 timid and shy RIR and 1 much more friendly and flirty Red Star, and they have been attached at the hip since the loss of our gentle giant New Hampshire Red. I want to get a 3rd chicken to replace our loss, but am unsure how to proceed. I want to do this for two reasons: 1) for the long run, in case anything happens in the future to one of my two remaining hens; and 2) the two remaining hens are not used to be alone so sqwuak so loudly any time the other isn't in sight. I'm afraid they will soon become a nuisance to my neighbors and it is a real hassle whenever I have to take only one somewhere and not the other (like for a bath). It sounds like whether or not I get a chick or a pullet to replace our loss, it will be several weeks before I can introduce her to our 2-hen flock. Neither of them have ever shown signs of broodiness, so I am doubtful that I could get one of them to accept a single chick. But I also know that raising a single chick indoors is not the most ideal. Any suggestions?
you can get a young hen (or two) or if you want to make sure they are sweet with people hand raise two chicks. I add mine to the co-op at night when they are close to laying (16-18 weeks) and the older chickens don't seem to notice. Small brains. BTW, I bath my chickens at least twice a year!
The two chickens will be most likely very territorial about their space, and can kill an unprotected chick. However, the sooner you get the chick out there, the sooner the integration can take place. However, you need to provide the protection. Use the see, but can't touch with a cage to protect the chicks. I two recommend getting two chicks. One chick is pretty tough. Mrs K
