New please help?

[Dreamers Nook]

So from what I understand you have to separate when adding new hens.. (for future reference) would that be the same if it's just like this situation where it's one boy and one girl?

It's wise to quarantine any new bird before introducing it to main flock, I usually wait 2 weeks at least, to help prevent possible illnesses.But that's me.

Then I'd do a temporary pen to introduce them normally, but with only 2, I doubt there would be too many issues. Just keep an eye on them. As others have said, there will be a "pecking order", and dominance displayed. I'd let it go unless there's injury. Definitely try to keep within same age category, juvies or mature. I'd try for juvies as more likely to adjust smoothly.

 

[Shadyangel2003]

Sorry if there is repeat questions, just want to make sure I'm doing what's best and safest and being a good first time chicken owner

 

[Dreamers Nook]

Sorry if there is repeat questions, just want to make sure I'm doing what's best and safest and being a good first time chicken owner

No problem at all, we all started from the beginning. It's definitely a learning process, and as I said, from experience, each flock and situation can be different, so it's a never ending process.

 

[Ridgerunner]

A never ending process for sure. Each situation is different because each individual chicken has its own personality. You can never be sure how they will react. That's what we get for dealing with living animals.

Quarantine shows that variability. It's possible any flock can have diseases or parasites that they can pass onto another chicken but never show symptoms themselves as they can develop immunity to many things. Your hen might have that, the cockerel might have that, or the new ones you get could have that. Or they may have nothing. If they have anything it is most likely a parasite like mites or worms that you can treat if they show up, not a big deal. But occasionally (rarely but it happens) you can have a disease or parasite that wipes out your flock. You just don't know what you have until something shows up, if it does. Many people don't pay any attention to quarantine and don't have any major problems but there is always the chance they could. Some diseases and parasites can travel on the wind or be spread by insects or other animals like wild birds. Many people on this forum think they are quarantining but really don't have enough separation to have an effective quarantine, yet they seldom have problems. I cannot tell you that you have to quarantine but I also cannot tell you what will happen if you don't.

The reason I suggest you get hens that are already laying or are old enough to lay is that they will stand up to the other chickens and take their place in the pecking order. Immature pullets will not, they will just run away. Some people go through a long drawn-out integration process. I certainly suggest that if you have juveniles involved. With your situation and with adults I'd suggest just turning them loose with the others giving them as much space as you can. They will establish the pecking order. That may be pretty peaceful, it may involve fighting. If they have a lot of room any fighting is generally over with pretty quickly. But you need to pay attention. Sometimes it can go on a long time or one may become injured so you need to intervene. Again, I cannot tell you what will happen, it depends on their individual personalities. You may still have to isolate them and house them side by side for a while, but I'd try just turning them loose while they have enough daylight left to sort things out.

 

[Shadyangel2003]

A never ending process for sure. Each situation is different because each individual chicken has its own personality. You can never be sure how they will react. That's what we get for dealing with living animals.

Quarantine shows that variability. It's possible any flock can have diseases or parasites that they can pass onto another chicken but never show symptoms themselves as they can develop immunity to many things. Your hen might have that, the cockerel might have that, or the new ones you get could have that. Or they may have nothing. If they have anything it is most likely a parasite like mites or worms that you can treat if they show up, not a big deal. But occasionally (rarely but it happens) you can have a disease or parasite that wipes out your flock. You just don't know what you have until something shows up, if it does. Many people don't pay any attention to quarantine and don't have any major problems but there is always the chance they could. Some diseases and parasites can travel on the wind or be spread by insects or other animals like wild birds. Many people on this forum think they are quarantining but really don't have enough separation to have an effective quarantine, yet they seldom have problems. I cannot tell you that you have to quarantine but I also cannot tell you what will happen if you don't.

The reason I suggest you get hens that are already laying or are old enough to lay is that they will stand up to the other chickens and take their place in the pecking order. Immature pullets will not, they will just run away. Some people go through a long drawn-out integration process. I certainly suggest that if you have juveniles involved. With your situation and with adults I'd suggest just turning them loose with the others giving them as much space as you can. They will establish the pecking order. That may be pretty peaceful, it may involve fighting. If they have a lot of room any fighting is generally over with pretty quickly. But you need to pay attention. Sometimes it can go on a long time or one may become injured so you need to intervene. Again, I cannot tell you what will happen, it depends on their individual personalities. You may still have to isolate them and house them side by side for a while, but I'd try just turning them loose while they have enough daylight left to sort things out.

Thank you any advice is appreciated and I know nothing is 100% and animals arenall differentwith their own quirks (I'm more used to like a canine group dynamic so I know what to expect there guess just more time with learning the chicken ways)

Is it easy to tell if something is wrong with a new chicken like is there anything specific to keep an eye out for? Sorry I know probably stupid question

 

[Ridgerunner]

If a chicken is sick or not feeling well they may stand around lethargic and all puffed up. Probably not eat or drink. Just stand there looking miserable.

I hate to mention this one because you get so many false alarms. If the poop is really runny it can be a bad sign. But a lot of the time it is just something they ate that temporarily upsets the system. They will peck at and eat all kinds of stuff, not just their food. You probably understand that if your dogs are like mine.

 

[Dreamers Nook]

That's the thing, chickens are a lot like all other animals. One reason I do quarantine, is i used to do a lot of rescues. The quarantine gave me time to get familiar with the animal and provide any special care needed. Old habits lol.

If you watch, chickens will display actions when not feeling right. As you get familiar with them, you'll notice right away when something isn't right. As it was said, ruffled puffed up feathers is definitely a good sign. From there, watch and see what other signs they display, and try to figure out what the issue is. Asking here is a definitely the best advice for assistance.

 

[Shadyangel2003]

Thank you guys so much for bearing with me.

Do they sometimes puff up feathers just because they may be cold? I've seen them both do it but they both seam to eat and drink and do their dust baths an walk around when not hiding in the coop from wind /cold

 

[Ridgerunner]

Do they sometimes puff up feathers just because they may be cold?

Yes. Lethargy is the real sign. They stay in the same spot, don't eat or drink, and just look miserable. They also puff up their feathers so it is an indication, but it is the lethargy that is the bad sign.

 

[Dreamers Nook]

Thank you guys so much for bearing with me.

Do they sometimes puff up feathers just because they may be cold? I've seen them both do it but they both seam to eat and drink and do their dust baths an walk around when not hiding in the coop from wind /cold

Yes most definitely, but as it was said, the way they act (droopy head, lethargic, plumb miserable) is a sign they aren't well.