Introducing a new hen to a flock of one.

[Kate76]

I hope someone can give me a little advice. After 6 years of cohabiting one of my two hens died unexpectedly. Now i know chooks are a lot happier if they have company so i am wanting to introduce a new friend to the remaining hen. I'm just not too sure how to go about it. There is a lot of advice for introducing one or two hens to a larger flock however im not too sure if this is applicable to a flock of one. Do I get 2 more and hope that my existing chook can't focus all the pecking order aggression on one - or am i better off getting just the one hen and hope for the best. I plan to introduce the newcomer/s at night and i do have a small cage that i can keep the newcomer separated - but i would prefer not to use it as its a bit too battery hen for my liking- any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mahonri]

I'd get two and watch them close. (Make certain they are healthy!)