Introduction to an old hen experience

[Kate K]

I currently have a 10yr old hen left from a flock of 14 and have since gotten 12 new pullets (7wks old now). I have the coop divided, but have not put the young ones in there yet. Planned on it being divided for 2wks or so.
Any experience with such an older hen accepting a new chicks? Shes been alone now for about 6mos. I assumed she would pass at some point, but is as healthy as can be.
Is thinking she's so lonely she'll accept them wishful thinking?

 

[DobieLover]

I currently have a 10yr old hen left from a flock of 14 and have since gotten 12 new pullets (7wks old now). I have the coop divided, but have not put the young ones in there yet. Planned on it being divided for 2wks or so.
Any experience with such an older hen accepting a new chicks? Shes been alone now for about 6mos. I assumed she would pass at some point, but is as healthy as can be.
Is thinking she's so lonely she'll accept them wishful thinking?

She'll accept them as she would any other chicken after a proper integration. I think she'll be delighted to have some company finally.

I would let the pullets in with her after a week of 'look, don't touch' acclimation. They've got her outnumbered. As long as you have plenty of room, plenty of activities for them to occupy themselves with, places for the pullets to hide and roost they should all be fine.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You might need to watch out that the pullets don't bully the old gal.

 

[Bsmac]

I currently have a 10yr old hen left from a flock of 14 and have since gotten 12 new pullets (7wks old now). I have the coop divided, but have not put the young ones in there yet. Planned on it being divided for 2wks or so.
Any experience with such an older hen accepting a new chicks? Shes been alone now for about 6mos. I assumed she would pass at some point, but is as healthy as can be.
Is thinking she's so lonely she'll accept them wishful thinking?

She should be just fine! After a bit of pecking order ritual. Just wondering, what breed is she?

 

[Kate K]

She should be just fine! After a bit of pecking order ritual. Just wondering, what breed is she?

Golden laced Wyandotte

 

[Bsmac]

Golden laced Wyandotte

They are beautiful birds! We have two of them right now about 6 weeks old. Awesome birds! Good luck with integration! I would just keep an eye on them will likely be fine!