New hen

[Lillysmom]

A fox got into our neighbors coop and killed all chickens except 1. They asked me to take her. Any suggestions for adding just 1 hen to my flock of 13 hens? Thank you!!

 

[chickencraz]

I'd use the see-don't-touch method. Put her in a cage where she can see the her new flock, and they can see her, but not peck her. Then you'd leave them that way for about a week, and after that put her in with them. You want to be sure that you're coop has enough room for her to escape.

Here's a couple of links
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

 

[Lillysmom]

Thank you so much!! Poor thing, went through a horrible experience with the fox, so I want to make this as easy as possible for her!

 

[Mrs. K]

I think that a single bird, can be the hardest introduction, everyone knows she is a stranger, and no one likes her. You might, put a single bird from your flock with her, pick a middle of the flock bird. They will probably scrap, but it will be a one on one fight, not a 12 on 1. Then in a couple of weeks, introduce the pair to the flock, spread out the pecking over the two of them.

Mrs K

 

[Lillysmom]

Thank you! Good idea!

 

[Chicken Girl1]

I think that a single bird, can be the hardest introduction, everyone knows she is a stranger, and no one likes her. You might, put a single bird from your flock with her, pick a middle of the flock bird. They will probably scrap, but it will be a one on one fight, not a 12 on 1. Then in a couple of weeks, introduce the pair to the flock, spread out the pecking over the two of them.

Mrs K

I'd use the see-don't-touch method. Put her in a cage where she can see the her new flock, and they can see her, but not peck her. Then you'd leave them that way for about a week, and after that put her in with them. You want to be sure that you're coop has enough room for her to escape.

Here's a couple of links
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

Both great advice!

 

[aart]

Good advice given on integrating her.
I can't help but mention that I hope your coop is more secure than your neighbors, that fox is going to be looking for another meal before too long.

 

[Lillysmom]

My coop is very secure and I'm quite protective! Unfortunately, my neighbors didn't latch their coop that night.

 

[aart]

My coop is very secure and I'm quite protective! Unfortunately, my neighbors didn't latch their coop that night.

Oops!