Integrating new hen. Help needed

[Hannahek10]

I posted another thread about my situation, but focused it mainly on the predator situation. I’m hoping to get some help regarding my hen that survived.

Friday, three of my four chickens died due to a fox. I have one left and we’re getting a hen around the same age for her soon. I know how important the quarantine process is, but this would mean both of them would be completely alone for a month.

Would it be possible to build a makeshift barrier inside the run so they can see each other, but still remain separated? This means that if this hen comes with any problems that it could spread to mine. I don’t want to risk that, but I don’t want mine to be completely lonely for a month, for I’m scared she would start becoming depressed.

Unfortunately I’m not at home to spend a lot of time with her because I’m still attending school and don’t have a lot of free time outside of school.

Any advise?

 

[JedJackson]

The idea of quarantine is to prevent new birds from spreading a disease or parasites to an existing flock. As with humans, pathogens can be carried on the air. So having them close enough to where they can see each other defeats the purpose. However, since you have only one hen in your current flock, and you are concerned for her, it may be worthwhile to risk it. It's really up to you.

 

[Chickensandhorsesforlife]

I agree. might be a risk worth taking. she will be very lonely. I have done sooo many integratoins, so if you have more questions I can probably help.

 

[aart]

Would it be possible to build a makeshift barrier inside the run so they can see each other, but still remain separated?

You'll want to do this anyway, as the first step on integration,
but it's not 'quarantine'.

Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article

Here's some tips about....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/