Help please!

[Mass]

I have only 1 hen left after the tornado and she hatched 2 eggs 6 wks ago. One is male the other female.they all are gold lace wyandottes.
How would be the best way to introduce new members to the flock? The hen no longer stays with them and she needs company and the babies need to be separated. Suggestions please?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Why does the babies need to be separated from her? Of course she's going to "ween" them, but the babies are part of her "flock" now. She may not stay with them all the time, but as the youngsters mature and get older, they (and she) will eventually come together to become a more cohesive flock.

As for introducing new flock members. If you bring in new birds, then keep them quarantined for several weeks so you can observe them for health issues. Once the quarantine period is up, then move the newbies next to your flock so they can see one another for a week or so. Then begin integrating them.

I'm sure you will receive other suggestions that may better suit your situation.

 

[Mass]

Well they have separated from her on there own but should I get another rooster?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They will separate for a while.

Can't say if you need another rooster or not that would be up to you.
You mention that one of the chicks is a cockerel, what are your plans for him?

 

[Mass]

I would like to keep him but I don't think it would be a good idea. I don't want inter breeding but I also know it's difficult to regime roosters

 

[Mass]

Why does the babies need to be separated from her? Of course she's going to "ween" them, but the babies are part of her "flock" now. She may not stay with them all the time, but as the youngsters mature and get older, they (and she) will eventually come together to become a more cohesive flock.

As for introducing new flock members. If you bring in new birds, then keep them quarantined for several weeks so you can observe them for health issues. Once the quarantine period is up, then move the newbies next to your flock so they can see one another for a week or so. Then begin integrating them.

I'm sure you will receive other suggestions that may better suit your situation.

Thank you. I just don't want the hen to be lonely

 

[drdoolittle]

I would like to keep him but I don't think it would be a good idea. I don't want inter breeding but I also know it's difficult to regime roosters

I really don't think inbreeding is a big concern with chickens. I'd just keep the young rooster you have and add other hens.

 

[saysfaa]

Two roosters and two hens in one flock isn't likely to work well. Were you planning to get more hens along with the other rooster, if you get one?

 

[Mass]

I really don't think inbreeding is a big concern with chickens. I'd just keep the young rooster you have and add other hens.

How old should the other hens be?
Should they be chicks or small pullets like the age of the babies?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you. I just don't want the hen to be lonely

She may not be.
There are 2 more around. Some hens can be more independent. If she's just finished brooding these chicks, she's taking a break, probably going through a molt and if that's the case, molting birds usually don't like to be too close to other chickens.