One of my hens is a "loner" - any advice?

[nevadamama]

We have 4 girls right now in our backyard flock. We originally took in 3 pullets and two of those turned out to be roosters, the other was our EE Ingrid. A week later I found a home for the roos and brought home 3 more pullets. The pullets from the second set all stick together and haven't let Ingrid into their group at all. She seems a bit lonely, especially after losing her roo buddies. She is the friendliest of the 4 by far and will spend an hour on my lap if I let her

What would you do in this situation? Should I try to bring in another girl in hopes she will "hit it off" with Ingrid? All of my girls are about 4 - 4 1/2 months old if that makes a difference. Thanks for your help!

 

[Den in Penn]

Don't worry to much about her being off by herself. It often happens when you are introducing new birds. They may accept the presence of the new members but take a while to really integrate as a whole flock. Yes being pullets still, does make a differacne in how easy they get along with new birds and how soon they bond. If they aren't fighting I would just let them bond at their own rate.

 

[donrae]

Don't worry to much about her being off by herself. It often happens when you are introducing new birds. They may accept the presence of the new members but take a while to really integrate as a whole flock. Yes being pullets still, does make a differacne in how easy they get along with new birds and how soon they bond. If they aren't fighting I would just let them bond at their own rate.

x2

How long have they all been together?

 

[nevadamama]

x2

How long have they all been together?

About 2 weeks. I just feel bad for her because it seems like she is trying to get close to the group and she gets run off by one of them. The other two seem indifferent to her but our White Leghorn is always chasing her away.

 

[donrae]

2 weeks isn't that long. I'd give it a good month or so at least, and then see what happens. I wouldn't add another bird now, that will just stress everyone more.