New hen, old flock

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Double Yolked

Double Yolked

Songster
7 Years
Nov 7, 2017
224
597
216
Pacific Northwest USA
Hi Lovely People,
My name's Bonnie, and I live in the country in western Oregon. I've been raising chickens for about 6 years now. I found this site years ago and have so enjoyed being able to find answers to all the little puzzles my hens are always presenting me with on your lovely forums. I never fail to find something wonderful here!
I thought it might be time to stop lurking and introduce myself.
I have a small mixed flock of Barred Rocks and Wyandottes at the moment. I usually only keep hens for eggs as I have a bad habit of making pets of them. Ya just don't eat pets!
This last year I broke tradition and kept a blue Wyandotte rooster instead of culling him when I discovered Fluffybutt wasn't the hen (s)he was labeled as. I love him! He's the most gentle, people friendly boy I've ever seen. The girls seem to be very attached to him as well and he's surprisingly quiet and soft with his crowing.
I have a question for anyone who might know or can point me at a thread where the answer is.
I have one young Wyandotte pullet this year who needs to be introduced to my flock but is extremely shy and skittery. I've always had two or three young ones at a time to introduce to the older hens and they seem to help each other. But this time sadly, my other two didn't make it. Is there anything in particular folks could recommend to help keep the others from hen-pecking her to death?
I'm doing the "cage her near the flock but not where they can get to her" thing and gradually introducing her but I'm a little worried since she is such timid baby compared to hens in the past I've had.
 
Aside from letting her grow a little more, if she has plenty of space and places to hide where others can't get to, that would be your best bet. Be careful though, if you really like this chicken there is always a chance something could go wrong given her size.
 
G’Day from down under Bonnie :frow Welcome!

Do you have an existing flock member who is friendly and less likely to pick on your shy Wyandotte?

You could try putting that hen in with her so she has a buddy and when the time comes for full on integration, someone to help her get acquainted with the rest of the flock.

Personally, I have found the water pistol to be a great aid during integration. A shot across the path of anyone meaning to do harm can be a good deterrent ;)

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

Personally, I have found the Topic of the Week articles a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group. There are some existing discussions on integration.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out ;)
 
Many folks add new birds to an existing FLOCK. I do not. Different experiences make our decisions. I found that separating via a wire or other visual fence, does not make them acquainted and thus accepting. Those older birds just were waiting for the new ones to get in their pen, and seemed to be even more ready to beat them up. Poor new birds.... However, others have few or no problems. Just have alternative quarters or pans for new birds, and save their misery or death. Be prepared. The chickens have no choice and depend on US.....It often works out well! Good luck
 

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