Oh I didn’t even think about the chick getting lonely thanks for your help!
I am so sorry for your loss. We successfully integrated and reintegrated a meat hen we saved last season into an established flock. She was just a pullet (12 weeks) when we started integrating her. Fortunately for us, we had 2 hens go broody at the same time, and despite best measures, they just wouldn’t quit. They were lower on the pecking order, so we put them in a coop stall next to the main flock, with the new bird. We ran them next to the main flocks run, separating the two groups with poultry fence. They had separate set ups (look, no touch), for the summer. The two Broodys and the meat hen bonded, and at the end of the summer we put them all together in a huge run, almost free range, during the days. Eventually everyone got used to each other, the pecking order got settled, and we were able to settle everyone into the main coop. The times they were being reintroduced we monitored closely, only intervening during two+ on one squabbles or if any blood was drawn. They sorted it out. There was also a rooster who broke up any fights. I think integrating minimum of 3 new birds together is best, they have each other to stick together. And making sure you have time for a look no touch period could be helpful. Don’t integrate smaller birds with larger established flock. Make sure there is enough room and “escape” places for the new birds. Make sure there are several feed and water stations so the new birds don’t get bullied away from resources. I wish you the best of luck in what you decide!!!
No problem!
