Introducing one chicken to flock

[EggCrazy42]

i have 3 ISA browns that I got in March, two of which are laying. Then I got two Easter eggers in May, but one ended up being a rooster and had to go. I've tried several times and different ways of introducing the Easter egger to the flock and it's just not going well. Right now she's in a separate coop, but I heard they don't like to be alone. What are some suggestions?

 

[tdepointe]

Have you tried putting her in their coop in another cage so they can get to know her but not get to her.

 

[aart]

Maybe put one of the isa's in the EE's coop?
See how that goes, then after a week or so maybe put both pairs in a run(or free range them) neither have been in before.

Tell us what you've tried and describe your coops and runs sizes(feet by feet) and set up.

 

[manaze88]

I introduce new chickens by setting up a wall of chicken wire in the coop. They get to see each other for several weeks before I start letting them out. Hope that might be something you're able to try.

 

[EggCrazy42]

My big coop is 6'X6' by 5 feet tall with an attached run that is 12'X6' and 6' tall.

I've kept the EE in a dog crate next to the coop for about a month so they can see each other. Then I tried free ranging everyone, and they all chased the EE into hiding and still kept pecking. I tried to put her in the coop at dusk on a roost, but heard screeching and took her out. Now I bout a separate coop... Just a cheap one from tractor supply and have that set up for the EE near the big one and try to let them free range together once a day, but the EE just runs and hides in my flowers.

 

[aart]

Maybe put the EE in the big coop the other in the small coop.
After a week or so, add one old chicken to the big coop...
....wait another week or so and put the other 2 in the big coop.
Free ranging in between.
It about shaking up their 'territories'.

 

[EggCrazy42]

Thanks aart! I put the EE in the big coop now with the others in the little coop and will try to introduce one at a time in the next week or so. At least I have a plan now

 

[aart]

Thanks aart! I put the EE in the big coop now with the others in the little coop and will try to introduce one at a time in the next week or so. At least I have a plan now

You'll kind of have to 'play it by eye' with the mix and match territory idea.