Help with a flock of one

[lv9777]

After trying to enlarge my flock by hatching eggs and having to rehome an entire brood of roosters, my momma hen died suddenly Christmas eve leaving me with a flock of one. My remaining 2 year old barred rock, Marble, has always been top hen and spoiled. While she is sweet with us, she can be a bit of a bully to other chickens and the cat. I don't think she would integrate well into a new flock. If it were closer to Spring, I would wait and see if she wold go broody and then slip in chicks, but that is months away. I am going to try and add another hen, but I need advice. Do I get one or two new hens? Can I add 5 month old pullets or should I try to find adults. Is breed important? Do I try and get a calm good natured breed or a hen that can stand up a bit to my girl? I do not have a large coop, but I have a second coop that I can use if needed to separate at night and let them range together for a while. However, we have 2 feet of snow at the moment. The timing of this is not ideal. However, my cat is tired of being followed around and does not want o be part of Marble's flock. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

After trying to enlarge my flock by hatching eggs and having to rehome an entire brood of roosters, my momma hen died suddenly Christmas eve leaving me with a flock of one. My remaining 2 year old barred rock, Marble, has always been top hen and spoiled. While she is sweet with us, she can be a bit of a bully to other chickens and the cat. I don't think she would integrate well into a new flock. If it were closer to Spring, I would wait and see if she wold go broody and then slip in chicks, but that is months away. I am going to try and add another hen, but I need advice. Do I get one or two new hens? Can I add 5 month old pullets or should I try to find adults. Is breed important? Do I try and get a calm good natured breed or a hen that can stand up a bit to my girl? I do not have a large coop, but I have a second coop that I can use if needed to separate at night and let them range together for a while. However, we have 2 feet of snow at the moment. The timing of this is not ideal. However, my cat is tired of being followed around and does not want o be part of Marble's flock. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you

I would find a calm docile breex... so that it most likley will submit and you wont have to worry about one fight for top of pecking order...maybe like a favorelle...I know there are more sweet ones out there but I had to do this when I had a animal attack and the only one left was top of pecking order....how cold is it where you are? Cold she go broody in a warm garage or something, she would either be a great mom or a terrible one....she would either attack them or be very protective I am not sure....but I wish you luck

 

[cherrynberry]

I don't have much to say on the subject, but will say this: If you do decide to take home an adult bird, its really important to either trust the previous owner, or quarantine the bird. This is because if the new bird carries diseases, it may spread to your girl. I don't think BRs are known to be broody, but you can give it a shot. If it were me and I am adding new birds, I would buy a few more adults and integrate them in slowly. I use the method below. It can be quite tedious, however, it is 100% safe for both parties.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...nderestimated-part-of-raising-chickens.67097/

During quarantine, I always check for issues (mites, lethargic birds, mucus, bubbly eyes, anything abnormal) and deworm the new birds. I also change boots, clothes, and anything that touches the new birds before visiting the old birds.

As for integration, I use the see no touch method. Basically, I keep the new and old birds separated by a run, or something of that sort. That way, they can see each other, but cannot hurt each other. I usually do this step for a good 2-3 weeks, especially longer for chicks. I would stay away from Silkies and other bantams, just to keep it simple. Otherwise, if you do a safe and slow integration, both sides of the party will be happy.

Once I do let them out together, I like to let them out to free range (so they can run if needed) or when they are sleeping. I always provide extra feeders and waterers after that. For a small flock like yours, you probably only need 2 of each.

And just to add, it is always easier to integrate more than one bird. And as a warning of hatching or buying chicks, you may end up with a male or males and would have to accommodate for that. It might be simpler just to buy pullets or hens.

 

[BDutch]

If you have a single hen I would normally add just one other hen. 5 months is fine ( near point of lay is adult enough).
But because you’re lonely hen is a bossy type, I presume its better to add two new hens. For a better balance.
Normally the ‘see don’t touch’ for a few days is enough at this age.
But look whats happening if you put them together. Pecking is normal to establish the pecking order. Blood is not okay. If you see any real misbehaviour or blood you need to separate them for another week or so.

I you like natural breeding , best wait until spring and add fertile eggs under a broody. Not chicks. Because many hens don’t accept strange chicks.

 

[InterestingChickens]

3 is a good minimum of chickens to have. This is because they have themselves and two others to socialise with. If your current hen dose get agressive the pecking will be spread amog both of them, not just one. Avoid birds with muffs/crest. Your Barred Rock may see them as foreign and not her own. As for integration as others have said, the see and no touch method works best. When you do eventually put them together provide plenty of hiding places and space for them to go to.

 

[lv9777]

Thank you SO much for the advice. Since it is winter in Michigan and Marble has not been broody in the past, I think I will buy adult hens. I have found a farm with Cochins and Marans. Both are supposed to be good natured. I think two is a good idea. I will separate the new hens in my second coop and do supervised visitation in a common run for a few days and see how they do.
I am new to chickens. When I go pick them up, other than looking for lively, healthy birds with bright combs and a clean environment, what do I need to look for? I will read up on mites and lice.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Thank you SO much for the advice. Since it is winter in Michigan and Marble has not been broody in the past, I think I will buy adult hens. I have found a farm with Cochins and Marans. Both are supposed to be good natured. I think two is a good idea. I will separate the new hens in my second coop and do supervised visitation in a common run for a few days and see how they do.
I am new to chickens. When I go pick them up, other than looking for lively, healthy birds with bright combs and a clean environment, what do I need to look for? I will read up on mites and lice.

Loom at bottom of feet for bumble foot or anything unhealthily looking make sure no toes are curled while walking or standing....I like to watch them run if i buy adult chickens.....makes sure they dont have a dirty butt....and if they can or are laying I ask to see what there laying looks like....bright combs are good.... just genral well taken care of chickens look at there feathers were by skin make sure no lice and mites also ask the people if they have had recent deaths in the pack and from what....if you suspect and markers steer clear ask hope this helps

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Loom at bottom of feet for bumble foot or anything unhealthily looking make sure no toes are curled while walking or standing....I like to watch them run if i buy adult chickens.....makes sure they dont have a dirty butt....and if they can or are laying I ask to see what there laying looks like....bright combs are good.... just genral well taken care of chickens look at there feathers were by skin make sure no lice and mites also ask the people if they have had recent deaths in the pack and from what....if you suspect and markers steer clear ask hope this helps

Markets *

 

[lv9777]

Helps a lot!!! Thanks

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Helps a lot!!! Thanks

Helps a lot!!! Thanks

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