How can introduce my new 6 week old polish hen to my 15 week old sebright hen?

[Isabella_animale]

I just got a 6 week old polish hen, I got her alone but I know she can't be alone so I would like to introduce her to my 15 week old sebright bantam hen. I think they would be a good fit as they are around the same size because sebrights are so small. Only problem is the sebright is a bit fisty when it comes to new things. There is really no one else I can introduce her to so do you all have any tips on how to instroduce them? I tried putting them together for a minute but my Sebright puffed up so I got scared and took her out. TIA

 

[britesidefarm]

If their the same size, your Sebright will try to tell your Polish that she’s the leader. A few nips won’t be a problem, but if she starts full blown fights, use consider getting your Polish some other friends

 

[Sammy1122]

I doubt a full blown fight will be caused, BUT even if there was, soem birds need to fight it out, it’s normal.A peck here and there is mostly likely what will happen based on age.I would gradually put them together and have lots of supervised meets.

 

[aart]

I just got a 6 week old polish hen, I got her alone but I know she can't be alone so I would like to introduce her to my 15 week old sebright bantam hen. I think they would be a good fit as they are around the same size because sebrights are so small. Only problem is the sebright is a bit fisty when it comes to new things. There is really no one else I can introduce her to so do you all have any tips on how to instroduce them? I tried putting them together for a minute but my Sebright puffed up so I got scared and took her out. TIA

You only have to 2 birds?
What does your coop and run look like?
Are you sure the polish is a female?...she's just a baby!

FYI-PSA.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.


Here's some tips about......
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Isabella_animale]

You only have to 2 birds?
What does your coop and run look like?
Are you sure the polish is a female?...she's just a baby!

FYI-PSA.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.


Here's some tips about......
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Thank you for the info! I don't only have 2 birds I also have 2 big girls who live with the sebright and do well but I wouldn't trust them with my new polish because they are too big right now. The polish was a sexed female from a hatchery.

 

[Isabella_animale]

Hi you all! I just wanted to say thank you for the help! I ended up just getting her a partridge Cochin female of the same age and it worked out perfectly! I felt bad and didn't want to go through the whole process. They have been together for 5 minutes and now wont leave eachothers side! It's so freaking cute!