Introduce a single hen or with her brother too?

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oliver98206

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Hi everyone,

This is my first post on BackYard Chickens so please let me know if I get anything wrong!

My question to everyone is as follows:

I currently have two flocks of birds, one flock comprises of 4 hens, 2 of which are four years old (Buff Orpingtons) and the other 2 are around two years old (Australorps). My other flock only comprises of 2 birds, one hen and one rooster which are coming up for around a year old now (Polish Bantams).

I would like to integrate the Polish Bantam hen into my bigger flock as their coop was only meant to be temporary whilst they grew up from chicks. The problem comes with only having two of these chickens, and with living in a suburban area with neighbours, I can't keep the rooster around for much longer!

My question is, should I integrate both Polish Bantams (hen and rooster) into my other flock, or just integrate the hen on her own (but I have heard this is not a good thing to do)?

As a side note, because these are bantams they are quite considerably smaller than the bigger birds I have, will they be able to live together at all?

I look forward to your replies and thank you :)

Oli.
 
Welcome to our FUNomenal Flock! :wee
I have bantams and standards in my flock. When integrating, use a see but don’t touch method. Put BOTH birds in a dog crate in the run so that your other chickens can get used to their presence without hurting them. I would do this for at least 3-5 days. Integrate when they are free ranging or at night when they are roosting. Be sure to have plenty of obstacles or hiding spots for the bantams to get away from any possible attacks. I have 5 bantam hens & a serama roo with my 17 standard hens and 1 rooster. They get along very well. You may need more bantam gals to keep your other girl company and from being over mated. If you decide to get rid of your bantam roo, do it well after integrating both bantams. Integrating only one can lead to major injuries or even death.

Best Wishes & Be Well! :)
 
Chick-N-Fun said:
Welcome to our FUNomenal Flock! :wee
I have bantams and standards in my flock. When integrating, use a see but don’t touch method. Put BOTH birds in a dog crate in the run so that your other chickens can get used to their presence without hurting them. I would do this for at least 3-5 days. Integrate when they are free ranging or at night when they are roosting. Be sure to have plenty of obstacles or hiding spots for the bantams to get away from any possible attacks. I have 5 bantam hens & a serama roo with my 17 standard hens and 1 rooster. They get along very well. You may need more bantam gals to keep your other girl company and from being over mated. If you decide to get rid of your bantam roo, do it well after integrating both bantams. Integrating only one can lead to major injuries or even death.

Best Wishes & Be Well! :)
Click to expand...

Ah yes, I thought that would be the case with only integrating my one bantam girl! Thank you for the reply though, I will give it a go and see what happens!

Thanks again! :)

Oli.
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.
I don't think it will be a matter of size difference that may lead to challenges but instead the head feathers of the Polish. Give it try and see how it goes.
 

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