Taking on a new chicken/chicken is here.........I need some help!

[ponygal12]

Hi everyone!

You may have read my previous thread many months ago, but I need some more help.

To cut to the chase, I rescued a beautiful hen from my friend who lost all off her chickens. This hen has been free ranging by herself for about a month. I can't believe she survived, lol. Anyways, she's been through the whole 2 week quartine and is in good condition. Right now, she's inside a big cage in the coop. All the chickens can see her. I introduced her to the flock as well. Three of the chickens could care less and didn't bother her. The other three immediately started pecking her.......hard. I was holding her when I did the intro, by the way.

How should I introduce her to the flock with as little scabbling as possible? I know there will be fighting. Tips on intergrating them?

Any help is appreciated! Thanks

 

[ponygal12]

Going to get some pictures.....

 

[ponygal12]

Bump...Bump... Got some pictures....will upload soon!

 

[enola]

You can try putting 2 of the meanies in the cage that you have her in now. That way she only has to contend with one meanie when you put her with the rest of the flock. Then when things are going smoothly, turn another one of the hens loose. When things calm down again, turn the last hen loose again.

By the way, this is a normal reaction when trying to introduce a new chicken to an established flock.

My solution to this problem is peepers, little blinders that prevent hens from picking feathers off of other chickens.

 

[ponygal12]

Okay, thanks for the advice!

Here are some pictures of Rover.

 

[speckledhen]

First of all, your quarantine wasn't long enough--should have been at least a month to allow symptoms to come to the surface (even then, sometimes, they don't and you inadvertently introduce a carrier bird into your flock).

To introduce a new bird, best to do it where they are loose and she can get away from them when they harass her.

 

[PamB]

I've done two integrations so far and agree with Speckledhen as far as letting her loose and making sure there are places for her to get away from the others. I normally put in a treat for a distraction...like BOSS or scrambled eggs. Then when all the flock is eating I put down the new ones. Now, I've never introduced a single hen. I've always done it two at a time...so I imagine your new hen will get pecked on a bit more because she is going in alone. Anyway, I always sit there (I've done this for HOURS) and watch them. As long as they are not cornering her where she can't get away or being too rough (drawing blood), I don't interfere. After a few hours, they are usually not as interested in the new one...although, the pecking and pecking order will continue to be established for a week or so.

 

[ponygal12]

I was suprised today. She was let loose in the run with the other girls and it went okay. The chased her around and peked her but it wasn't to harsh. They never cornnered her...well maybe once.

 

[PamB]

Quote:
Sounds like you are off to a good start! Best of Luck!!

 

[ponygal12]

Thanks! I hope my luck holds out...*crosses fingers*