Introducing two new hens to our single existing hen.

[juliasc]

Ok great, thanks.

I was the one that found her dead in the coop and took her to her bird vet. I'm new to introducing new chickens, not new to animal safety and well fare. I appreciate your concerns, while valid, I never mentioned throwing them in the run together at first (as you perviously did) and can't understand why you thought I was willing to jeopardize our other hen's life for this purpose. I asked about the keeping them inside because I know some people have indoor chickens, and we used that room for their brooder way back when. That is the main reason I'm here, as I'm sure you can understand, as well as finding a support system. Thanks.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Howdy! Welcome to our FUNomenal community! Make yourself at home and have lots of Fun! I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet chicken. Bear hugs to you!

 

[Kiki]

I was the one that found her dead in the coop and took her to her bird vet. I'm new to introducing new chickens, not new to animal safety and well fare. I appreciate your concerns, while valid, I never mentioned throwing them in the run together at first (as you perviously did) and can't understand why you thought I was willing to jeopardize our other hen's life for this purpose. I asked about the keeping them inside because I know some people have indoor chickens, and we used that room for their brooder way back when. That is the main reason I'm here, as I'm sure you can understand, as well as finding a support system. Thanks.

I totally understand I was simply thanking you for answering my question.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - sorry for your loss and hope the integration goes smoothly. In the normal back yard set up it is nearly impossible to carry out effective quarantine.

 

[KLIL]

Hello and welcome to BYC!
You are going to love it here.
Hope to see more of your flock.
Lovely to meet you

I have documented My Flock Journey if you would like to take a look.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-flock-journey.1258290/

 

[007Sean]

Howdy

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[aart]

Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
BYC 'quarantine' search

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.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock