NEW HEN HELP

[suburbansilkies]

Hi guys, Today I got a a new frizzle and silkie for my silkie hen because her 'sister' got taken by a fox and j didn't want her to be alone. My white hen (whom I've had for a while) hasn't had problems previously with frizzles but she keep violently pecking the new black frizzle in the neck. Should I interfere? Is this natural? Is it hurting her? How best should I introduce them? Tips?

 

[suburbansilkies]

Do I need to quarantine them?

 

[drumstick diva]

If they've already been together, it's kind of late to quarantine now. Any chance your frizzle is a cockerel and your hen noticed? Please check out the "Look but don't touch," method of integrating new birds to your flock. Just put that in the search box and it will come up.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and . Happy you joined us. I agree with the advice Diva gave you. Best of luck!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

It's too late for quarantine now, but yes, you should always quarantine. 99 times out of 100 the birds are fine, but it only takes one time to infect your flock wth a contagious disease or a nasty parasite. Introductory methods like "see but don't touch" are ideal, as they reduce aggression and picking. This is done by allowing the birds to range in a nearby area to your existing flock, so they can see each other but are physically separated. This should be done for 1-3 weeks depending on exact age and amounts of birds. Then, barriers should be removed and new birds placed with the existing flock after night has fallen. An additional feeder and waterer should be added to the run. Some bullying is natural in any introduction, and you should only interfere if blood is drawn.