Introducing new hen to flock of 3

[Averyloveschickens]

Hey y'all.
I have 3 hens, and I used to have 1 rooster but had to get rid of him. I would now like to add 1 hen to my existing flock. Before I really start looking into trying it,
-is it possible to do without them causing problems and/or hurting each other?
-if so, what age of a hen should i try to add? Like, raise a baby chick again and introduce that, or a grown hen, or one that's their same age? They're 17 weeks old right now, and I'm expecting eggs from 2 of them any day now.
I would appreciate any answers or tips y'all could give me! Thank you so much for your time!
-Avery

 

[MadamContrary]

It's really best to introduce at least two birds at the same time so the new bird doesn't get singled out and bullied. A see-no-touch set up, after quarantine is ideally the way to go. They get used to each other and there's no direct contact so no injuries.

 

[aart]

I would now like to add 1 hen to my existing flock.

Why just one, is your coop and run size too small for more??

Adding a single bird is the hardest integration.

 

[Averyloveschickens]

Why just one, is your coop and run size too small for more??

Adding a single bird is the hardest integration.

No, my nom just won't let me have more than 4, lol

 

[Averyloveschickens]

Alrighty, well I guess unless anyone has any other ideas its not the most ideal situation to get another single one. Thank you for your help! ☺

 

[aart]

Alrighty, well I guess unless anyone has any other ideas its not the most ideal situation to get another single one. Thank you for your help! ☺

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help here.

This might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/

As might this:
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.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/