New hen

[EarlMaesHens]

Hi I have 3 hens and a rooster that I've had for about 3 months. They are established in their coop and routines. Yesterday I bought a new hen to add to the flock. How long do I need to keep her in the coop before I can let her free range with the others during the day?

 

[Stacyoung13]

It varies with each bird...usually at least 3-7 days.

 

[EarlMaesHens]

Thanks ! I'm new at this

 

[adickenscoop]

Here is an infographic which gives you some different ways to go about that - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/caring-for-newly-adopted-chicken

 

[Mrs. K]

Adding a single bird can be very difficult to an established flock. You will need hideouts, mini walls, and multiple feeders.

I would also lock the original flock outside of the coop and run with the new bird locked inside the coop and run. This will allow her to explore the set up without being under a constant attack. If you want, you can put a little dog carrier in the run, and have the new girl sleep in that, then in the morning, let the flock out, lock the gate, let the new girls out. At dark, let the old flock back in. Probably going to chase the new girl a little bit, but if you leave it till nearly dark, they will want to go to roost. The new girl will probably go to her little container.

Eventually put the container in the coop, with the door open. Take it out to the run in the day time.

This is a lot of fiddle farting around, I know, but if you do it, there should be no wicked or vicious attacks. Sometimes you will get one truly wicked hen, and if so, put HER in the dog container, and let the new girl go to bed with the others.

It all sounds complicated, but in a week it will be done.

Mrs K