Introducing New Chickens?

[oystercrackers]

Hello! I had a recent attack on my very small flock of three, and I suspect a raccoon. Two were killed, the other seemed generally unhurt. This was a week or two ago and I Plan on introducing two members soon. I'm worried about how to go about introducing them and I'm also worried that since I'm getting two, they might pair up and generally not mingle with my current pullet. 20 weeks old and im planning to get the same breed, as close to the same age as possible. My current breed is EE's. Any Advice on introducing?

 

[aart]

First, fix the place the coon got in.

Second, how big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.
Integration works best with extra, and separate but adjacent, space.

Realize you run a risk of bringing pests and disease in with the new birds.
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
Where do you plan on getting these birds?


Here's some tips about.....
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.

 

[oystercrackers]

Thanks for the tips, These will probably help greatly when the time comes. I plan on getting them soon, within a few weeks most likely. The coop overall is 14 feet, and the run I'm not so sure. I got a few pictures for reference, They're down below.

The coop is pretty small and I'm planning on expanding soon because I only realized after a week how small it was. they can fit in there, though. The coop is also due for a cleaning.

 

[aart]

That coop is barely big enough for 3 birds...integration would be tough.
Did the coon break into the coop?

 

[oystercrackers]

No, the coon broke into the run from what I saw, a loose end by the entryway was bent. I did fix that though the day after the coon broke in. I'm glad to have an actual opinion on the coop, though, bad or good. planning to expand more soon, at least a third or half wider.