New hen to flock

Megatron56

In the Brooder
Apr 3, 2025
30
22
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Soo I need help.
I have 3 pullets, around 11wks old. I tried to add a ~1year old 3.5# hen to the flock today the previous owner said this hen was really getting picked on. I assumed being a single chicken, previous bottom of the barrel, new home, and my 3 bonded that I would have trouble with my chicks being mean girls, but no this new hen is pecking them, they are all scared together huddled in a corner, meanwhile the hen is pacing and panting all along the run!
I tried to do a make shift barrier but the hen busted out of it and I was worried about her being alone?
Idk what to do… i was all prepared for my chicks being mean and prepared to put 2x2 together, but now I have no idea what to do? Just keep the mean hen alone? This is day one and I know some peaking is normal but shesh, she’s terrified all three of them!
Thanks
Pic of the new hen
IMG_5417.jpeg
 
Soo I need help.
I have 3 pullets, around 11wks old. I tried to add a ~1year old 3.5# hen to the flock today the previous owner said this hen was really getting picked on. I assumed being a single chicken, previous bottom of the barrel, new home, and my 3 bonded that I would have trouble with my chicks being mean girls, but no this new hen is pecking them, they are all scared together huddled in a corner, meanwhile the hen is pacing and panting all along the run!
I tried to do a make shift barrier but the hen busted out of it and I was worried about her being alone?
Idk what to do… i was all prepared for my chicks being mean and prepared to put 2x2 together, but now I have no idea what to do? Just keep the mean hen alone? This is day one and I know some peaking is normal but shesh, she’s terrified all three of them!
Thanks
Pic of the new hen
View attachment 4129799
What breed is she? Maybe she is trying to make sure sure is top hen. Could you try to integrate them slowly? Retry the barrier between her and them where everyone can see each other but not chase and Peck? Two weeks is what I've read on here is a good amount of time.
 
What breed is she? Maybe she is trying to make sure sure is top hen. Could you try to integrate them slowly? Retry the barrier between her and them where everyone can see each other but not chase and Peck? Two weeks is what I've read on here is a good amount of time.
She’s a wheaten Oliver egger? I could have the barrier again i just worried about her being alone. She seems very stressed. Has been pacing and open mouth breathing. I just feel super bad for everyone
 
What breed is she? Maybe she is trying to make sure sure is top hen. Could you try to integrate them slowly? Retry the barrier between her and them where everyone can see each other but not chase and Peck? Two weeks is what I've read on here is a good amount of time.
She’s a wheaten Oliver egger? I could have the barrier again i just worried about her being alone. She seems very stressed. Has been pacing and open mouth breathing. I just feel super bad for everyone
 
How long was she separated for before the barrier was broken?

See but no touch isn't a fast process, you'll need to be able to securely house her separately but in view of the others for 1-2 weeks to start, until they stop being overly interested in one another.
 
Seriously being on one side of a fence won’t hurt her. Feed along the barrier. In three days I am pretty sure this will settle. Chickens hate change.
Ok i just felt bad keeping her by herself… do i not let her go in the coop with the others at night then?
 

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