I posted this question one other time on a different section of the board. I apologize if this is a repeat for some folks. Just wasn't sure what the appropriate section was for this question. Thank you in advance for the help. I was given a ~4 week old pullet that is now about 8 weeks. It currently lives with us in the house but it is about time for it to go outside in the coop we built for it. It cries when left alone and I'm worried that it will be lonely by itself outside in the coop. I realize that chickens are social animals. I want to help by getting 2-3 more chickens so it can have some friends and start its own flock. The question is, what is the best way to do this? Should I buy some chicks from the local hatchery and when their old enough try and introduce them slowly using some of the techniques suggested in many threads on this board. Or is it possible to wait until she is old enough and slip a couple of fertilized eggs in her nest? This is my first time raising chickens and hadn't planned on raising one or any but now that it's happening I want to do it right. I'm clueless and open to any and all ideas. Thanks!
If she is broody you could slip some eggs under her or find a few friends that are the same size. You'll want to make sure they are healthy. There are lots of threads on introducing chickens and quarantine. She'll definitely need a friend or two, though. Maybe even 3 or 10.
You're right, she needs a couple of friends. At 8 weeks old she's nowhere near getting broody yet, so I wouldn't go for chicks. Your best bet would be to try and find chickens of a similar age. Put her in the coop one evening, ignore her crying and let her get settled. Then put her new friends in the coop, so that they all wake up together next morning. Be prepared for a bit of scrapping as they sort out who is in charge - but don't worry, they will settle down quite quickly over the course of a few days. http://muckycluckers.blogspot.com/
Thank you for the advice. Quick question, after night fall, should I just put the new friends in the run and let them go up into the hen house on their own or should I put them directly into the hen house, or should I place them directly on to the roost? Thanks!
Quote:You may have to show them up the stairs or on to the roost the first few nights and then after that they will take care of it themselves. I have 4 pullets who are figuring out how to get up and down still. 3 nights helping them up but they can all get down on their own now.