How do I reintroduce a healed hen back to the flock?

[jsmolerat]

Hello,

I have a hen that was pecked and injured pretty badly. I was chickensitting for my brother and took her home with me because I read that the other hens would probably hurt her worse since she had a gaping wound. Almost 3 weeks later she is all healed and I need to figure out how to get her back in with the rest of the flock (1 rooster and 11 hens). I have read on this site that I have to be really careful about how I do this. I see that many of you recommend the buddy system (pairing her up with another hen before I reintroduce her). I did not initially take another hen with me (she has been by herself at my house for almost 3 weeks). Should I do this now? Bring home another hen? Or am I making things worse for the second hen I remove from the flock? I'm thinking I was supposed to bring another home 3 weeks ago.... any suggestion? We are new to chickens and haven't had to deal with this yet. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Judy]

The trick might well be to identify the lead bully and remove him/her for a week or so while the rest are getting used to each other again.