introducing new "flock" to 1 chicken

[cmaranhao]

so, I initially had 3 chickens and unfortunately, 2 of them are gone.

I want to add more, what do you think the behavior of the remaining chicken be if I introduce, lets say 6 or 7 chickens all at once?

cheers

 

[Latestarter]

Sorry to say, if the 6 or 7 you're adding have all been together (established flock) you'll actually be introducing your existing one to them, not the other way around. If the 6 or 7 aren't already an established flock, I'd say they will ALL be on even ground WRT establishing a new pecking order. If you'll be quarantining the new birds for 30 days, you should try to do it where the new birds can see and "talk to" the existing bird but not come into direct contact. Then after the quarantine period is over I'd add them all together on the roost late at night when really dark, with no light.

 

[cmaranhao]

yes, they will be bought new so they will not be a flock yet, no one will be friend before I put them all together. I am still debating about the quarantine because I do not have ideal conditions to do that, the only way is to add 1 chicken at a time, I know there are risks by doing it without quarantine though.

what does WRT mean?

 

[Latestarter]

WRT - with respect to... Then why not bring them home and just wait till deep night and put em all together... hope for the best. You gotta do what's gotta be done.

 

[cmaranhao]

So adding during day time is a no go even when there is no established flock?

 

[aart]

So adding during day time is a no go even when there is no established flock?

Either may work fine....or not.
Not sure I would add at night, your poor single bird may freak out at first light when she sees all those 'strangers'.

But...first...
Did you get a bigger coop?
Sounds like you've had other problems...
....and this thread shows you have a coop that is way too small for 6-8 chickens.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...is-dying-and-the-others-might-follow.1256200/

 

[Talithahorse]

When I have to introduce one to a larger flock, what I do is pick one of the birds from the big flock and introduce her to the one so they become a pair. Then I introduce the pair together. This seems to work really well and it gives my lone chicken a friend while they are transitioning and determining their final place in the flock. I have found that one fairly high in the pecking order will often pave the way for the other to integrate with less fuss.

 

[Mrs. K]

@ Latestarter-Separation is not quarantine, you can not do quarantine and integration at the same time. It was confusing in your post.

I am unclear as to the age of the new birds. Age, size, and space makes a difference too. One old bird plus chicks, you need separation, and a safety zone where the chicks can get away. Not yet laying hens, will be a little lower in the pecking order.

Chickens hate change, the more change you do at once, is better. What you are proposing, might work, but might be a wreck for one or two birds. You need to have a separation option, a see but no peck for at least two birds. Time will tell which birds.

Good luck

 

[cmaranhao]

I am planning to buy a bigger coop (made of plastic to allow better and easier cleaning). I also bought a dog crate for some event I might need.

I am already assembling a big run with chicken wire on all sides to protect them from goshawk attacks.

 

[Mrs. K]

I do not advise a pre-made plastic coop for 7-9 chickens. You really need a shed for that many. Chicken wire will keep chickens in, and probably hawks out, but not most of the other predators just so you know.

9 x4 = 36 square feet so a 6 foot x6 foot would also work. I just don’t think you are going to get a plastic one that size.

Space is critical for chickens.