How to, if possible get an abadoned hen into our existing collection

[timordog]

We went to the feed store and there was a cute, little black, feathery legged hen who looked like she could use food, water, love etc. How can we get the others to accept her w/ minimal pecking? We tried for an hour and my husband and self stayed in the area w/ all 12 girls. There was pecking, se we built an attachment on where they could all see each other through the chicken wire and have seperated them the past two days/ nights. Yesterday, we let all of them out for an hour and supervised. Much better. So, how do we do this? I want the new one to eventually live with them if possible and sleep in the winter coop all together. Please give whatever advice or tips you have.
Tricia:/

 

[Buff Hooligans]

It looks like you're already doing the right thing. Best of luck!

 

[patandchickens]

Have you thought (seriously) about quarantining her for a month -- preferably real quarantine, like not breathing the air in the same building, not sharing a fence, do your chores with the new bird after doing all your work with the old ones?

Even if she's been hanging around a while, that's much much less opportunity to transfer diseases than if she's cooped with them.

Just a thought, good luck,

Pat

 

[AllChookUp]

I would also suggest a quarantine period, then just intro her to the flock. They WILL establish a pecking order no matter what you do. I believe it depends upon the personalities (and strength) of each chicken. Just keep an eye on the situation.

IMHO.