Introducing a New Hen

[Newfoundlander709]

We have a hutch with five hens and one rooster in it. We recently tried to introduce a new hen, but the rooster just went totally savage and attacked her and we had to remove her. Is there a proper way to do this? Most of the guides online seem to be for introducing another rooster. I wouldn't have thought our rooster would have a problem with another hen being around, but here we are.

We are 100% sure she is a hen as she lays eggs.

Thanks in advance!

 

[CoturnixComplex]

Put her in a cage next door where they can see her but not touch for a couple of days, then swap her with the rooster and let her find her place in the harem, then put him back. Try that!

You will likely not be able to keep him from targeting her for a while; she is new and exciting! But if she has a chance to get her place in the pecking order established first she might do better.

 

[tennesseequail]

You can also try moving them.all to a completely new cage if that is an option with her there first and roo last