Should I move chicken to new home?

[14513buff]

Hi everyone,
My (now adult) son has one hen left from his flock. She lives at his dad's house and has two acres to free range. She's lived by herself for about a year and a half. It doesn't seem to bother her but then again I don't live there and see her that often. She is about 7 years old and is a Buff Orphington. I don't know much about chickens but my nephew has offered to take her into his bunch. He has a flock of younger hens (less than a year old). Should I leave her where she is or let her go to the new home?

 

[Gray Farms]

She'd be happier in a flock.

 

[HAPPYCHICKENLADY17]

She'd be happier in a flock.

I AGREE

 

[LeggyLeghorn]

chickens like company. move her in gently.

 

[Gray Farms]

chickens like company. move her in gently.

Agreed, she is an old lady.

 

[14513buff]

Thank you. He has plans to move her in at night. I just want to make sure it's the right thing to do. And I hope the younger ones don't attack her or give her a heart attack.

 

[LeggyLeghorn]

Thank you. He has plans to move her in at night. I just want to make sure it's the right thing to do. And I hope the younger ones don't attack her or give her a heart attack.

If you can separate her from the others while she is still in view , a run within a run sort of idea that would be best. For a week or two.

 

[aart]

All the happier with a flock may be a consideration,
but....let's look at Romance vs Reality.

Thank you. He has plans to move her in at night. I just want to make sure it's the right thing to do. And I hope the younger ones don't attack her or give her a heart attack.

They will likely attack her....unless she has some real moxie.
Putting a single new bird into a coop at night rarely works.

If you can separate her from the others while she is still in view , a run within a run sort of idea that would be best.

Yes, this^^^ or at least have a crate where she can be safe.

...and....
There's also the pests and diseases aspect to think about,
adding birds is always a risk for both groups.

Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
BYC 'quarantine' search


Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[cheekychick3]

Hi, because she is 7yrs old, and that has been her home all her life.
Rather than take her from there, and cause her stress, would it not be easier
if your son, bought a couple of pullets, as company for her, especially as it is also
2 acres, where she lives, and it is the only home she has known for 7yrs. It just
proves how happy she has been living there, as she is now 7yr. Just thinking if
your son, brought in company for her, it would be her, top of the pecking order.
Not the other way around, and also no stress for her either. Guess i am just thinking
it would be nice for her. As bless her, i bet she knows every crook and cranny on them 2 acres, and how she would love, introducing a couple of young ones, around their new home. lol Maybe it is easier for your son, the other way around though. Whatever
the outcome, i wish you the best. Good luck.

 

[LeggyLeghorn]

Or her own run/coop with site of the others.

Hi, because she is 7yrs old, and that has been her home all her life.
Rather than take her from there, and cause her stress, would it not be easier
if your son, bought a couple of pullets, as company for her, especially as it is also
2 acres, where she lives, and it is the only home she has known for 7yrs. It just
proves how happy she has been living there, as she is now 7yr. Just thinking if
your son, brought in company for her, it would be her, top of the pecking order.
Not the other way around, and also no stress for her either. Guess i am just thinking
it would be nice for her. As bless her, i bet she knows every crook and cranny on them 2 acres, and how she would love, introducing a couple of young ones, around their new home. lol Maybe it is easier for your son, the other way around though. Whatever
the outcome, i wish you the best. Good luck.

Yes I like your thoughts. 7 year old hen is a happy hen. The move would cause stress that can bring on loads of problems for the bird. Best of luck with whichever way you go