How to introduce a new chicken to flock.

[Bonsai]

Sorry if this is in the wrong section. I have two chickens, (used to have three, one died), that are about 4 months old. I have to get rid of the rooster, so that'll bring me to one. The other hen has never been alone. I was wondering whether to buy a pullet around her age or get a chick, raise it, and then introduce it. Which one would be better? And then onto the next question. How would I go about introducing the new hen? I heard that the older hen might kill the new one. Thanks for your help.

 

[LottieDa]

With my flock, I've found that my older full grown hens will pick on my younger 3 month old pullets if they get the chance.

If I were in your situation, I would try to find a companion that's close to the same size. Then introduce them slowly. After the usual pecking-order-routine, they'll get along fine.

If you get a chick, you'll HAVE to keep them separate until they're close to the same size and that's just a lot of extra effort for you.

 

[christineavatar]

I would get at least another two. Then I would wait until they are about 8 weeks old put them in the coop in a dog cage (or the like) and pit a barrier in front of the door large enough for the chicks to get out but small enough that the hen can't get inside. After a while the chicks will grow and the big chicken will not bother them - other then 'pecking order'.

 

[JodyJo]

I am right now raising 3 7 week olds, and struggling to introduce them to the older girls, 19 weeks old...its tough.

I too suggest getting 2, around the same age/size...it will be a bit easier to introduce them.

 

[trailchick]

Does your hen free range?
I added a single chick about 2-1/2 months old to my free range group.
It had been alone and was crying and lonely alot - I got it to keep a peachick company & the pea die. So this chick stayed in a cage above the parrots until it got older and I couldnt standthe peep&cry constantly.
It chose a spot so it could roost alone and none of the other chickens (Americauna, Wyandott, and Blu Andies) never really bothered it. It stayed by itself when going outside, but eventually jioned the others, after 3-4 weeks.
I would definitely get one or more to keep it company - even with pecking order, they are very social creatures
Good Luck