Introducing a new pullet.

[Cowgirl Bodamer]

Hi there I'm new on this site. I'm also kind of new to owning chickens. Unfortunately I lost all but one of my chickens to a pack of coyotes this week. The one hen that survived is about 24 weeks old and you can tell that she is stressed by herself and because of the ordeal. So I was going to order some pullets and introduce them to her but I'm worried about pecking order. How many should I introduce to her at a time? Should it just be one on one introduction? I don't want her to be overwhelmed she's already stressed as it is being by herself now. Please help me make the best choice for my one girl. Thank you for your comments

 

[sourland]

After quarantining them, I would introduce the new birds to her on her turf. She will have the advantage, and hopefully squabbling will be minimal.

 

[aart]

How many should I introduce to her at a time?

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help here.
Have you fixed the coyote access issue?


Here's my notes about......Integration of new chickens into flock.
Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article


Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/


Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @Cowgirl Bodamer
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome from Louisiana, glad you joined.

How many should I introduce to her at a time? Should it just be one on one introduction?

All of them. Just get it over with plus it's usually easier in a group.

It could help if we knew what you are working with as far as age and number of pullets and size and what your coop and run looks like. Photos inside the coop and outside showing your layout could help. Otherwise the best we can do is what Aart did, give you some generic suggestions instead of targeted comments.