New pullet

[Lesliejean]

We have two 9 month old buff orpingtons. We were told if one of them dies, we can't add a new pullet as the existing hen will kill it. Does anyone have any thoughts about this? We aren't planning on losing either of them, but just in case, I thought I would ask. Thanks always for your helpful feedback.

 

[Chicka and Co]

I've managed to add bantam pullets in with larger and older hens before. There's never been too much aggression but I guess it depends on the breed. If you added in a new pullet I really don't think the Buff Orpington would kill it. If you spent time observing and breaking up aggression if you got a new pullet, it would probably all go fine. You could also keep the pullet separate in a small cage inside the coop so they could familiarise themselves with each other before integration, and have a separate perch for the pullet.

 

[Kelsie2290]

It is easier if they are all just raised together as chicks, but you can certainly add new birds to existing ones, it does take a little time and is best done when the birds are about the same size. Usually splitting the coop into two sections and keeping the birds on their own side for a few weeks where they can socialize through the fence but not touch each other makes the introduction go pretty smoothly. There is a nice article in the BYC Learning Center on adding new birds to your flock https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[Lesliejean]

Thanks so much. Those are great ideas.