They STILL don't like her! Help? :(

It is very tough to integrate 1 hen into a flock. She is the outsider. In the future you might always want to get two or three new ones at a time. I have done that, and have very little issues.

Now, though, I have seen it mentioned, is to remove one of the flock, and quarantine her for a few days. Then introduce the picked on one to her, hopefully she will be so lonely, that they will buddy up. Then after a couple of days reintroduce the pair. The original flock will not remember the one they liked, and will pick on both of them, but together, they can stand it better.

good luck, mrsk

 

Yes, I agree. Your sweet EE needs a friend and partner. Think about the one in the previous flock that would be the most amenable to meeting a new friend. Then, get ready for an "integration schedule". After bonding the two, then add another of the elders with them for a bit. The entire process may take another few weeks.

I agree that in the future at least 2-3 hens are the minimum to integrate. Good Luck!!!!

 

It's tough, but possible. I would recommend making a small area in the corner of the run where she can walk around, peck, eat, drink, etc and only be separated by the wire fence. That way, they will get used to her being the run with them. It took us 3 weeks or so to get ours to stop fighting and then it took a bit longer for them the be friendly enough to allow peace. Still put her in the coop at night though!! They will slowly get used to her! THe two posted above about using an existing hen as a buddy will be helpful!

 

I'm gonna have to deal with this situation myself.

My best friend is coming to stay with me during part of my vacation, her next door neighbor had two chickens and one died some time ago. The neighbor finally decided to try to find a home for the lonely hen because she's not laying, and her husband is getting annoyed about it. He's mentioned chicken stew several times over the past week.

***grrrr for people like that***

So, yes, I'm going to take that chicken. My friend has her in a pet carrier right now, and will be driving 380 miles tomorrow (with her German Shepherd mix in the back seat and the pet carrier with the hen in the very back of her RAV4).

The hen's name is "Red" but she's NOT a RIR, from her description.

Anyway, I have the "lodging" for her for quarantine, and for integration purposes. Red won't be lonely for much longer.

I, however, am worried about the "single chicken integration" process.

 

Yes I too am watching my adorable new girl being ignored or shoved away from the food or pecked at all the time. I suppose your ideas about keeping them separate yet able to see each other for a few days and then letting one girl in with her and then slowly integrating them back in the group. it is difficult, I don't have a large space but will do my best to help keep the peace. it is sad that they don't get along!

 

That's awful...may I ask, how big is the dog cage you are putting the 2 girls into together? Is it too close for comfort for them? Is there anyway you can "split" the run so she can be near them but they can't touch her?? Do you have a run?

I am fearing the same thing will happen when I re-introduce my ameracauna who has been separated on "bedrest" for the last week with a leg injury, and still with a week to go in isolation. I am hoping they will get along like peas and carrots as before, but am worried they will think she is a newbie and not accept her....


Do chickens forget their previous family members??

 

Good morning, rhaj! I had to integrate 2 EEs into an established group of 4 BSLs earlier this fall. It was a nightmare! Overall, it took a little over a month for everything to smooth out, and even now, they're at the bottom of the pecking order. I love my chickens dearly, so it was heartbreaking to watch. I added a couple extra feeders and waterers to be sure everyone was getting the chance to eat, and snuck extra treats to the EEs (it made me feel better). My "aha" moment was when I let them all free range in a newly manicured area of our backyard (we dug up quite a few bushes). This was unfamiliar territory to both groups of birds, so it worked well. I also would coop up 2 or 3 of the BSLs and let 1 or 2 mingle with the EEs for a few hours. This way, the BSLs couldn't bombard the EEs. My biggest bully also found herself in a time-out a few times. I also think that maybe the temperament of the EEs had something to do with the integration. They were just too sweet and passive to stick up for themselves (as your girl may be). I'd say time and space are the best things you can give to your flock. Best of luck!