New Chickens

[shani914]

Hello, I have two questions. So one of my two chickens died a few days ago from a predator attack, and I have already received two new chickens. I only have one coop and I have kept them in a large cage for about a day. My questions are:

(1) How long should I quarantine them for?
(2) Do you guys have any cute names for them? One is a barred rock and the other is a white leghorn.

Thanks

 

[Mrs. K]

Keeping them separate is not a bio-security quarantine, many chicken illnesses travel through air. So you have already broken quarantine, but if all seems healthy, I would not worry about it.

The big question is are they close to the same size? If so, just put them together at night. Introducing two newcomers to one established bird should be about even if they are all close to the same age and size. There may be some scuffling, do make sure there are some roosts, and hide outs where they can get away from each other.

Mrs K

 

[shani914]

Keeping them separate is not a bio-security quarantine, many chicken illnesses travel through air. So you have already broken quarantine, but if all seems healthy, I would not worry about it.

The big question is are they close to the same size? If so, just put them together at night. Introducing two newcomers to one established bird should be about even if they are all close to the same age and size. There may be some scuffling, do make sure there are some roosts, and hide outs where they can get away from each other.

Mrs K

My coop is small and doesn't have too many hideouts. I am also worried because I introduced them to each other and my black sex link challenged the white leghorn (even though there are bars separating them). They are 10, 6, and 3 months old.

 

[aart]

Quote: That is normal, the BSL is defending it's territory.
Leave the new chickens in the crate in the coop for a couple weeks so they can get used to each other.

Conversely, you could put the BSL in the crate and let then new chickens check out the rest of the coop without being pecked. Switch them back and forth a few times over the next couple weeks.

Small coops and small flocks make integrations difficult.

ETA: Multiple feed/water stations will help. Just a board leaned up against the wall can create a hiding place, just don't set up a dead end where bird could get trapped.

Pic of inside your coop/run might help folks make suggestions....
....your climate can play a part also, putting your location in your profile also helps folks give better advice.

 

[shani914]

That is normal, the BSL is defending it's territory.
Leave the new chickens in the crate in the coop for a couple weeks so they can get used to each other.

Conversely, you could put the BSL in the crate and let then new chickens check out the rest of the coop without being pecked. Switch them back and forth a few times over the next couple weeks.

Small coops and small flocks make integrations difficult.

ETA: Multiple feed/water stations will help. Just a board leaned up against the wall can create a hiding place, just don't set up a dead end where bird could get trapped.

Pic of inside your coop/run might help folks make suggestions....
....your climate can play a part also, putting your location in your profile also helps folks give better advice.

This is an image of my coop; it can hold up to five chickens. I live in Texas and it's relatively cold right now.

 

[tjb86]

I am in the exact same boat as you. I just got on to ask the same question.

 

[aart]

They say those coops can hold up to 5 chickens...but they are fibbing.....I wouldn't try to keep more than 2 adult large fowl chickens in there, if that.

I'm sorry, I can't think of a solution other than get a larger coop....or rig up another enclosure using some fencing.

 

[Mrs. K]

You could lean a board up against the fence. It does not have to be huge, say 12 inches wide, 2-3 feet long. Don't put it in the corner, as a bird can get trapped. Put a roost kitty corner in the outside area, about 2 1/2 feet off the ground. Use an old handle or closet bar, and just stick it in the fence. These may make the run look cluttered, but they actually give the birds more space, and they can get out of sight or away from each other.

Then put them together. There may be a little fighting, but if they are close to the same size, it should go pretty good. If I have read your post correctly, you have one established hen in her own coop, and are adding two birds. The established bird has dominance as it is her coop, she will defend it most likely. However, she really can't beat both of the pair being added at the same time. And birds like to be flock animals, in a couple of days they may not be friends, but the worst will be over. Get some good hard cold weather, and they will flock right up.

ps. I think you could get along with the right 3 birds in that set up, but no more. Maybe 5 bantams.

Mrs K

 

[shani914]

You could lean a board up against the fence.  It does not have to be huge, say 12 inches wide, 2-3 feet long. Don't put it in the corner, as a bird can get trapped. Put a roost kitty corner in the outside area, about 2 1/2 feet off the ground. Use an old handle or closet bar, and just stick it in the fence. These may make the run look cluttered, but they actually give the birds more space, and they can get out of sight or away from each other. 

Then put them together. There may be a little fighting, but if they are close to the same size, it should go pretty good. If I have read your post correctly, you have one established hen in her own coop, and are adding two birds. The established bird has dominance as it is her coop, she will defend it most likely. However, she really can't beat both of the pair being added at the same time. And birds like to be flock animals, in a couple of days they may not be friends, but the worst will be over. Get some good hard cold weather, and they will flock right up.

ps. I think you could get along with the right 3 birds in that set up, but no more. Maybe 5 bantams.

Mrs K

So when they start fighting, should I allow them to fight it out or should I stop them?

 

[bobbi-j]

So when they start fighting, should I allow them to fight it out or should I stop them?

Unless a bird is pinned down, unable to defend itself, or serious blood is being drawn, I'd let them work it out. This is how they establish pecking order. Chicken society isn't pretty and peaceful all the time. Yes, an established flock can be, but they have already worked out their pecking order. Even then, there are squabbles when one decides to shake things up now and then.