Introducing new chickens to each other

[JennyBee13]

Can I introduce two (2) new chickens to each other with a minimal introduction period? I know you have to have a long introduction period if you are introducing a new bird to an existing flock, but unsure about introducing 1 bird to another.

I am getting 1 hen from a friend and 1 hen from someone else. I only have a single coop at the moment. Would that work or am I asking for trouble? Thanks!

 

[Latestarter]

Keep them separate till after dark then put them both in the coop on the roost together. Do NOT use any white light as the whole idea is that they NOT see each other. You want them to wake up and "greet" each other as equals.

 

[aart]

'Meeting' in the dark and sleeping together might work...
...or put them in the coop at the same time, no territory to protect.
Still lots of space will help, and maybe multiple feed/water stations.
Do you have a run too?

 

[JennyBee13]

Thank you for the comments!

Do you have a run too?

Yes, there also is an attached run. The multiple feed/water stations is a good idea - I will try that too.

 

[aart]

Yes, there also is an attached run. The multiple feed/water stations is a good idea - I will try that too.

How big is coop and run?
Big enough to put feed/water stations at least 5 feet apart?
Space is really key, lower status bird must be able to get away from a dominant one or dominant bird may continue to pursue and peck.

 

[Ridgerunner]

How old are they? Are they both mature or is there a maturity difference? How big, in feet or meters, are the coop and run?

If there are no serious maturity differences and provided you have a fair amount of room, it is often as easy as just putting them together any time of day or night. It can possibly be that easy. The more maturity difference and the tighter the space the more likely it is that you will need to use some of the integration tricks, such as housing them side by side but no touch or using separate feed and water stations. Separate like one in the coop and one in the run. Or at opposite ends of the run, however big that is. If there is sufficient size differences a panic room/safe haven may be useful.

Regardless of age differences or the amount of room, try it when you can observe. Have a plan B ready, just in case. But yes, it can sometimes be that easy. Sometimes it is not.

 

[Mrs. K]

New territory, same size birds, only having two birds, I would put them in the run together, shortly before dark, check on them after dark, and I would expect them to be roosted up.

Chickens are a lot of fun, might have eggs for breakfast. But then they might take a few days off, just from the change of new surroundings.

Mrs K