How to introduce a young pullet to a hen.

[StellaStewart]

There has been an attack on the coop with only one survivor, and now that my survivor has recovered from the trauma we've got her a new chick to keep her company!
I have a one-year-old Red X, and I would like to introduce a 4 week old Orpington to her. I unintentionally let my hen see the new pullet and she reacted with some clucking and shaking her head repeatedly. I let her come quite close to the new chick (while shaking her head and clucking) as she seemed to be getting along well, but unfortunately she pecked the Orpington at which point I separated them. They are both very friendly, as Orpingtons are calm by nature and my Red X has been hand raised I thought it would be easy. I was hopeful that they were already getting along but clearly not (although the Orpington seemed unfazed, my hen seemed irritated afterwards). It is not an ideal combination as the Orpington is so young but....
So how should they be introduced?

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Four week is pretty small. You could put her in a dog crate in the coop until night. Then slip her onto the roost. Orphs are pretty amiable, but you might provide a few hiding spots for the small one.

 

[StellaStewart]

Good idea! Thanks!

 

[Dawnclucks22]

I actually wrote an article on this if you want to skim it over. As @FanciFeathersMarans mentioned four weeks is a bit small and I would wait a little longer to introduce, but here's the article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-chickens-step-by-step.72815/

 

[getaclue]

As a rule of thumb, the newcomer should be aprox. 2/3 the size of the established hen(s). Either cage the newcomer inside the coop, where the hen can see it, or using wire, make a separate section. Make sure they can see each other, so they get used to each other. When introducing them, it's a good idea to put in an extra feeder, and waterer. Established hens tend to chase the newcomers away from the food, and water. A couple square hay bales placed in the coop, and/or run tends to help too.

There will be some squabbling when you first introduce them. That's the way pecking order works. Just make sure there is no blood. Let them squabble for about a minute, then walk between them, and break it up. Keep an eye on the newcomer. You may have to break them up a few times, but don't leave the newcomer in with the hen until they've stopped squabbling.

 

[drumstick diva]

The best method for integrating new birds with the established flock is called "The look but don't touch" method of integration. It's the kindest way with no bloodshed. You can probably find it through the search box.

 

[StellaStewart]

ok thank you guys!
Right now we have them separated with chicken wire in the run and my "established hen" is not very happy about having a new chick around. I am nervous to put them together because the chick got too close to the fence and my hen pecked a feather out of her! No blood, but I think there would be if I put them together. The 4 month old is only half the size of my hen. Would my hen peck the little one to death if she had the chance? And would they become friendly over time (someone told me it would take 72 hours of being together)? I wish there was a hen I could have bought

 

[getaclue]

It is quite possible the hen would peck the chick to death, if not introduced properly. Give it time. The hen will adjust to seeing the chick. When the chick is a bit older, then introduce them.