Taking on a new chicken.........I need some help!

[ponygal12]

Hi everyone!

So as my title says, I'm taking on a new chicken.

My friend has had a very unfortunate experience with these guys. She had about 16-18 chickens and is now left with one. All of her chickens died over the course of many predator attacks.(there still not sure exactly what happened.) One chicken survived them all and that's the one I'm going to get. The pullet's about..... 3 monthsold. She's a pretty feral chicken to......

Okay, so after that breif bio, here's a discription of my set-up and then I'll get to the questions. I have 6 three-month pullets, same age as the chicken I'm taking. They are currently in the coop right now. I was planning on keeping the new pullet in a large enclouser in the garage to isolate her. Now for the questions!!!!!!

I have to isolate her right?

How will I intoduce her to the flock? Should I do it gradually?

I'm worried about some of the fighting that's going to come of this. Any advice?

Um......that's basically it. All advice is appreciated!

Thanks

 

[NellaBean]

You should quarantine for 30 days as a precaution to make sure she is not sick.

I would then pair her up with a single hen from your flock. Once they are buddies (a few days to a week or so), introduce them together to the flock. That should help her not be so singled out by the big group. If you have a way to confine the pair in the same area as the other girls but with a barrier between them, that would be helpful. They are still young so it should not be horribly difficult

 

[ponygal12]

Thanks for the help! I think I will pair her up with one pullets............

 

[ponygal12]

Okay, so we have a new problem.

We can't exactly catch the chicken. He's running around wild at my friends house. Any suggestions?

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Quote:
Large fish net or wait until she is roosting tonight in the dark.

 

[ponygal12]

kk

 

[luvchicks8]

Well imo seperate like said 30 days then put the new chicken in a cage so that all the other chickens can see her. Do this for 2-3 days it makes it alot easier to indroduce them without haming the new bird. keep in mind they are chickens and will comence to a pecking order no matter what. As far as not beaing able to catch the bird open a cage and put treats in the cage she will go in tip the cage shut the door should work or wait till night at roost. Good luck

 

[mgw]

Quote:
sound advice give her a friend then let them see each other awhile should make it much better . Luck to ya!