Reintroducing a chicken to the flock

[tnmommy]

My chocolate orpington was under the weather but is ready to go back with her flock. Problem is, they are not having it. It's only been a week, but apparently that is a long time in a chicken's memory. They are treating her like a new chicken.

So, I almost put her dog crate next to the juvenile grow out pen, next to her flock, but I am about to separate them into 2 flocks anyway. Will it just be easier if I move her in with her orpington buddies when they all go into their new coop and run in a few days? It will be all new for all 4 of them.

 

[bobbi-j]

It might be some easier, but they are still going to have to reestablish their pecking order - this happens any time you add a chicken to or subtract a chicken from the flock.

 

[tnmommy]

It just seems so brutal. I mean, she was only gone a few days. She's very laid back. Bless her.

 

[Mrs. K]

If you have space, give her a buddy. Just put her and another together for a week. There will be a scuffle, but it is one on one. Then when they have worked it out, add the pair back to the flock. there will still be a scuffle, but it is better than just a single bird.

Adding a single bird to the flock is one of the hardest integrations. Everyone knows the bird is a stranger (chicken rules, a bird gone a week is a stranger).

Mrs K

 

[tnmommy]

I can section off an area in the pen and put one of the bantams with her. That would leave the cockerel with one bantam, and her with another bantam. I guess I will try that a few days. She doesn't seem too bothered by hanging out in her dog crate next to another flock of chickens. But I'm sure she has to be lonely...