My loner chicken

[Carrie Astorga]

Hello I'm new to keeping backyard chickens and started with 2 rir last weekend and the got 3 more this weekend. But one of my girls keep to herself and has been staying in the coop perched and I'm worried. She doesnt seem sick and the other 2 that came with her will roost with her . The first 2 I got stay together all the time. Do I need to get molly my lone hen a friend?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Chickens bond with those they were brooded with. They than make friends within that group. My guess is the one wasn't necessary friends with the two but knows them. Adding another single bird won't fix that. Give them time. Eventually they will become a flock, but you still may have a loner. There's always a bottom bird in a pecking order and sometimes they stick to themselves as well.

 

[Carrie Astorga]

Thank you so very much for your reply and I look forward to learning much more from

 

[aart]

Is it one of the new birds that staying in the coop?
How old are all the birds?
How did you introduce the new birds?
How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely.
Just make sure they are all eating and drinking.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @Carrie Astorga
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

Here's some tips on....
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.

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi! Welcome to BYC!

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Good luck, @Carrie Astorga ! @aart has laid it all out and her advice is always good.

Welcome to BYC! Do post on the introduction forum; people will show you the lay of the land and you can get to know us, and we can get to know you!