Introducing New Breed

[Gamebirds1554]

Hello!

I am thinking about extending my flock with a new chicken, probably a bantam. I currently have 2 Black Australorps and 2 Ameraucanas. Will the new chicken not fit in because there are no others of of the same breed? Should I get two new chickens of the same breed to settle the difference?

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[Roo5]

I’d get two of the same breed,escpecially because of size differences

 

[aart]

I’d get two of the same breed,escpecially because of size differences

At least 2, because adding a single bird is difficult.
Bantams and large fowl can get along fine, or not.
I'd proceed carefully and have a separate space in case things go sideways.

Here's some tips and tricks on ....
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.

 

[Buffy18]

I am going to introduce a silkie to my two other hens, a polish and EE, the EE gets along with all breeds and my polish is already less dominant so she doesn’t care, ideas?