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How to re-introduce hen to the cold?

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by Lucy4, Jan 21, 2011.

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  1. Jan 21, 2011 #1
    Lucy4

    Lucy4 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    where chickens dare to tread..
    Yesterday morning, my favorite hen seemed to be coming down with something... poopy butt, sounded funny respiratory-wise. Took her inside and crated her. Wormed her, just in case. She seems fine this morning. I'm happy to let her hang out here another day or so to make sure she's ok, but then what? I'm afraid to take her from a nice warm toasty house out to a 30 degree coop. Won't it make her sick?

    Also.. when you've separated a chicken for a day or two from the rest of the flock, will they automatically pick on her when she goes back in? I'm very protective of Rosie and don't want to do the wrong thing.

    Thanks for any input.
     
  3. Jan 21, 2011 #2
    terrilhb

    terrilhb Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I am not an expert just started chickens in July. But I had a hen in 2 nights ago. The silly roo got to ruff with her. Kept her in till I got some blue kote for her. Around 11 I took her back out. I opened the door and she ran right in. Everybody was just fine with her. I had no problems. Good luck hope this helps some.[​IMG]
     
  5. Jan 21, 2011 #3
    teach1rusl

    teach1rusl Love My Chickens

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    I've had my little faverolle in overnight a few times this winter when she was sick, and have never had an issue putting her back out in the coop. So I'm sure you girl will do fine [​IMG]

    Edited to add: And I agree that, if possible, roosting time is the best time to put them back out there.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2011
  7. Jan 21, 2011 #4
    elmo

    elmo Chillin' With My Peeps

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    My chicken mentor once told me he read a study about chicken memory that indicated chickens remember other chickens for about two weeks. After that, they treat the individual as a newcomer.

    We had to isolate one chicken for a week to treat it for wet fowl pox, and there were no issues reintroducing that bird to the flock, but he was the rooster.
     
  9. Jan 21, 2011 #5
    Lucy4

    Lucy4 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    where chickens dare to tread..
    Thanks for the tips (especially about re-introducing her at roosting time -- that makes sense.)

    I don't worry about the cold normally, but was afraid to shock her system. Hopefully she'll make the transition ok!
     

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