Introducing a new chicken to a current flock

[nwarren]

Hi I'm new to the site.

I recently lost a chicken to a Hawk attack. I would like to get another full grown chicken to add to my flock of 3. Is there a process I should follow for introducing a new chicken to an existing flock?

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock!
Depends...chicken dieseases are a real thing. If you aren't prepared to nurse sick chickens or lose your current flock practice strict biosecurity.
Which would mean quarantining the new bird for no less than 30 days a football field length away from your current birds.
Research integration too.
This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

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[lilmillefleur]

Hello and welcome to BYC!
One of the first steps to adding a new bird is Quarantine. It’s often overlooked but it’s very important for a guaranteed healthy flock.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...nderestimated-part-of-raising-chickens.67097/

After the Quarantine, put the new bird in a cage beside the coop so the other chickens can see but not touch. Then you can try to let them meet on neutral ground and free range together. Then slowly introduce the new bird into the flock, making sure the coop is large enough for the bird to get away if it needs to, and that there are hiding places and no dead-end traps.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
You've gotten some good advice on integrating a new hen to your existing flock. It can take about 2 months or more including quarantine time so be prepared.

 

[nwarren]

Thank you

 

[alexa009]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens! We are glad you joined the flock! BYC is a helpful site providing all of the information you need to know about poultry! There is always space for more members on the BYC roost! Aside from contagious disease or illness, integration can also be a real problem because of fighting. Once the aggressor assert her dominance, she will take high advantage of the victim further promoting feather picking and bullying. Providing places to get away such as roosting poles, perches, etc.. Is sometimes necessary and will solve the tragedy. Hope you enjoy it here as much as we all do!

 

[happy duck]

Welcome to to BYC!!!!

 

[cassie123]

Welcome to backyard chickens!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to BYC! I hope you enjoy our FUNomenal Flock!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Great information already provided by others. I might suggest doing an on site search on 'flock integration'.