Introducing adult hen???

Jlongton

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Hi everyone,

I’m new to chickens this year, and am allowed to have 4 hens (no roosters, city ordinance). I’ve raised 4 chicks that are now 9 weeks old, and sadly one of them turned out to be a rooster. Of course, it was my favorite one. I found someone who wants to sell all of their lavender Orpington breeders (less than two years old) and I would love a lavender hen. Could I introduce a full-grown hen to my 9 week old pullets?
 
Yes, you can. Make a temporary 'see-no-touch' setup so they can get acquainted.
There are a LOT of threads on integrating newcomers with excellent advice.
Good luck, let us know how it goes!
 
Oh that won't be bad at all! The new hen will probably take some pecks at your pullets and there might be some scuffles but honestly introducing an adult to young birds "not chicks" is probably second easiest only being second to introducing a mature rooster. :)
 
Keep in mind that bringing in an adult bird could also bring in pests and disease.

I am not as convinced as the others repliers that it would be an easy integration.
Might depend on the birds involved, hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

Another important consideration is is how much space do you have?
Dimensions and pics of your coop and run would help us help you figure a good way to introduce.
I ask because many small flock keepers have tiny dollhouse coops that may be crowded already, and integration works best with extra space and can be disastrous with too little space.

Here's some tips.....
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.
 

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