New hen to flock

[Lisa L]

I have two Bantam hens that are 15 weeks old. I'd like to get two more. Would it be a difficult process integrating them?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Depends on how much space you have available and general layout of your set up. If adding older birds (like same age as your current ones) ideally you'd want a completely separate set up placed well away from the first for a 30 day quarantine, then move them closer for an introductory period of 1-2 weeks where they can see but not interact with each other, then you could try putting them together somewhere with ample space, hiding areas, food and water.

 

[Lisa L]

Thank you for your advice.

 

[aart]

Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article


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.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Mrs. K]

No, yes, maybe. Even number to even number - probably not too hard. If you have a pre-fab little coop - much harder. If you are getting chicks, a little tricky, but sometimes easier.

Mostly it depends on your set up, do you have hideouts, roosts, in the run? Do you have space - basically you are doubling your flock. And I am always leery, as your original birds are NOT full grown, and sometimes what is more than enough space for chicks, is NOT enough space for full grown birds.

Generally it is not, just stick them in there and they will be bBFF, but sometimes that does work.

Mrs K

 

[Lisa L]

You’ve all been incredibly helpful and I thank you very much. Wish me luck! ☘☘