How do I bring a new hen into the coop?

[Ghetto Martha]

I had two 2 year old Buff Orpingtons. One was killed today . I would like to get another one so my poor chicken won't get lonely. I'm very new to this and want to make sure that I do things the right way. Does anyone have any suggestions on he best way to do this?

 

[Pyxis]

So sorry for your loss. I'd start by getting at least two more instead of one, so that you don't run into this issue again anytime soon if another one is killed or dies. If you know what killed her I'd also make sure you're rid of the predator so you don't lose any more.

The first thing you'll want to do is quarantine the new girls away from your old one for at least two weeks, to be sure they're healthy and aren't going to introduce any nasty diseases to your flock. One that's done, the best way to integrate is to put the new chickens somewhere where the old one can see them and interact but they can't fight, such as in a large dog crate in the coop. After a week or two of that you can let them together. There will probably be some scuffling to determine the pecking order but not as much as there would have been had you just put them in together with no introduction.

 

[Ghetto Martha]

My coop is so small that I don't know if three hens would fit. I can't even fit a dog crate in it. My friend who is terminal gave them to me. I'm hoping to build a larger coop in the next few weeks. I just don't want my poor hen to be lonely. I was hoping if I got a hen around the same size as the one I have the transition would be easier.

 

[sheetmetaltom]

sorry you lost one of your girls. when im adding hens to my flock, after I quarantine them, I place them in the coop at night, in the dark, when everyone is inside . then in the morning everyone wakes up together. it makes it seem like the new hens were always there. ive done it twice and there doesn't seem to be any issue. they check out the new girls and everyone goes about their day as usual. good luck.