/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    If you're already a member of our community, click here to login & click here to learn what's new!

Introducing a new chicken

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by kudla0423, Jan 17, 2017.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Jan 17, 2017 #1
    kudla0423

    kudla0423 Just Hatched

    13
    0
    14
    Dec 24, 2016
    Tampa
    I have two seven week old Barred rocks (that we think are pullets) and was wondering if it's possible to add a four month old BR (hen) to the flock? That's a pretty big age/ size difference and I wasn't sure how to go about it or if it's a bad idea all together? Any advice?
     
  3. Jan 17, 2017 #2
    oldhenlikesdogs

    oldhenlikesdogs Sits With Chickens Premium Member

    15,909
    3,497
    436
    Jul 16, 2015
    central Wisconsin
    Side by side penning, or making a separation pen inside your coop for a while with supervised interactions is the best way to go. It could take days or months depending on the temperament of your birds.
     
  5. Jan 18, 2017 #3
    aart

    aart Chicken Juggler! Premium Member

    32,675
    5,428
    556
    Nov 27, 2012
    SW Michigan
    My Coop
    Welcome to BYC!

    First, a 4 month female is called a pullet, won't be a hen until 1 year old.

    Agrees with OHLD about housing them separated by wire at first.
    It's all about territoriality.....who ever was there first will defend their food/water/space.
    Lots of space is key.

    Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
    This is good place to start reading, tho some info is outdated IMO:
    https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by