One chicken plus one chicken, where to sleep?

[MollyM]

Hello, I currently have 2 chickens that I acquired separately (had 2 of the same age, but one had pneumonia =( and passed away after a few days), a Wyandotte ~ 12 weeks old, and a Buff Orp. ~ 16 weeks old who is very big. the Buff Orp. has been here for a week and the 2 have been kept apart. Today I introduced them. It seems to be going okay, I think. They are in the same space pecking around, eating, preening themselves and doing a little dust bathing. The BO seems to be going about her business and pretty much only bothering the little one if the little one gets too close. The little one is more flighty, runs around and seems a little nervous about the BO. The little one has been retreating "upstairs" now and then. I'm wondering what the sleeping arrangements should be for the immediate future, separate or together? Should I just see where they go this evening? The BO has been sleeping locked in a big dog crate which I now have butting up against the main coop area so she may just go there, or, should I just have them both sleep in the main coop tonight? I'm a little worried about locking them up in the main coop together. Maybe I'm being silly though. Thanks!

 

[iwiw60]

You might keep them separated for longer than 1 week. Usually it takes upwards of 3 weeks for things to really calm down.

 

[bobbi-j]

If they're getting along fine, I'd just wait to see where they end up. Chickens are flock animals, so prefer company. If they're roosting in the same space at night, all they're going to do is sleep anyway. They don't fight or move around at night.

 

[aart]

Agrees.... if they're getting along, just observe.

Do they both have access to the main coop during the day, this would be best....and is there enough roost space for them there?

They may be just fine, there may be some squabbling as they go to roost but don't interfere unless there's blood drawn.

 

[MollyM]

Okay, thanks! We sat and watched them at dusk. The little one went in and out of the main coop 3 or 4 times and the big one (the newer one) went in and out of the crate. Eventually, they settled in separate sleeping areas so we let them be and locked them in like that. Yes, they both have access to the main coop during the day and there is plenty of roost space. We have an Eglu cube. There is a ladder though, and the bigger one has not tried it yet. I let the little one out by herself for a while this morning and then let the big one in. Today, they both seem more relaxed and are just hanging around. I haven't seen any pecking.