Introducing 2 hens to 1 existing hen

[Magsy]

Hi everyone, I know the topic of introducing hens to an established flock is discussed often, but I’m after some advice for my specific situation.

I have just lost my first hen and am devastated. I only had 2, so now I have 1 who is all alone and it is breaking my heart. I’d like to introduce 2 pullets so that my hen can have some company again.

My remaining hen is about 3 years old.

What advice would you give for introducing two young hens to one older hen who is on her own?

 

[kattabelly]

If the older hen had been a good broody in the past or at least been tolerant of chicks that weren't hers, I'd probably try introducing a couple of chicks rather than older pullets. I'm guessing this might never have come up though, if you keep such small groups due to space or other constraints.

If you're getting older pullets, I don't think there's much advice to give other than the usual - quarantine, look but don't touch, more than one food and water station when you do put them in together.

Hopefully she'll appreciate the company and it'll go fairly smoothly.

 

[BDutch]

option #1
If your hen probably gets broody this spring I would give her fertilised eggs to make her happy.
Give her a fake egg each day she lays an egg ( 5-6 is enough) until she gets broody. Search for a breeder who has nice chickens, a good rooster and is willing to sell you 6-8 eggs if the time is there.

If she is a good mama, she wil breed for 3 weeks and raise the chicks who hatched successfully until they are old enough to be independent. No problems with quarantining or integrating.
Buts it’s uncertain how many chicks will hatch, how many pullets and how many cockerels you get. You need a plan for the cockerels. Many people keep them for the meat or keep one and give away the others.
Gambling with 8 eggs you can expect on average 6 chicks to hatch. 3 pullets and 3 cockerels.

To give an idea: 3 years ago I bought 11 eggs and 9 hatched. 5 pullets and 4 cockerels.
2 years ago I bought 6 eggs early spring when it was still cold and had bad luck. Only one cockerel hatched. Later that year I bought 6 eggs. The broody kicked out a few egg along the way and got 2 pullets and 1 cockerel.

option #2
If you don’t like to gamble I would buy 1 pullet with similar characteristics and quarantine. With 2 there will be no problems with integrating.

After a few months you can add 2 more , if you want more hens. Quarantine and see don’t touch for 3-4 weeks.

 

[BDutch]

I have just lost my first hen and am devastated. I only had 2, so now I have 1 who is all alone and it is breaking my heart.

I should have done this first before giving any options:

Sorry for the loss.
What breed is the hen that is alone now? How old is she? Did she ever get broody?