Integrating New Pullet

[BigBernice]

After much consideration, I finally gave away my two roosters...they are thankfully in a good home with a family member. Because I had room I decided to take on a few more hens; however, as of today I acquired one pullet, she is a red mix. I have five other hens who are all very gentle, sweet and quite used to my presence.

The new pullet seemed to integrate well at first. In the last few hours though she has pulled away from the group and makes a hissing noise when myself or the hens go near her. She has placed herself in a corner and buroed down into the hay. When I went in the coop one last time before nightfall she completely buried her head in the hay and would not come out. I don't mind if she just needs time to adjust but I'm scared that she may hurt herself or as crazy as it sounds...she may suffocate herself.

I know this isn't technically an emergency topic but it is emergent to me because if she is causing harm to herself I'd like to know soon. Any tips or suggestions? Thank you!

 

[baldie]

oops

 

[baldie]

First off, you should put her seperate for a while to make sure she is okay and not carrying any diseases or bugs, etc... And after that when she is ready, put her in at night when everyone is sleeping it seems to help.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

It would have been best to have quarantined her for a few weeks away from your other hens just incase she would be bringing any illness into your flock but since you didn't no fretting now. I would suggest placing her in a wire dog crate inside your coop where the other hens can see her for a few weeks and get use to her being around them, it's hard placing new pullets in with older flocks especially if there is only one bird being brought in. Wait til roosting time and it's dark then let her out to roost with the others. I always take some scratch out the next morning when I let the hens out into the runs, that way they are more interested in eating then bullying a new pullet for awhile. Watch they do not starve her out!! I always have two feeders and two waterers just in case. Also make sure she has places she can get away from them. They should take to her within a few says. Just keep watch.

 

[chookchick]

Yes, what Tuffold said. It is probably best for her if she has her own crate with food and water for a while (separate yet visible). Though it sounds like she is doing amazingly well at defending herself for just being put in on her own. If you can free-range them "together" that is great too--she will be by herself for a while no matter what. I'll get some info on introductions for you....

From learning pages:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-adding-to-your-flock