Solitary chicken - need advice

[NClaire]

Hi, I've got 1 hen in a run - it's a new run, and 9'x3' with an additional 3x3 house. The hen in there is a Goldline, and is 1 year old, but very docile - she has been separated from the flock because she was being bullied by the black rock.

 

I was going to get 2 hens to go in with her - something like a bluebelle, and amber star. I thought 2 would be better, as they will be a lot younger (21 wks or so), and would be easier than 1 youngster in with Dopey. But the place I went to this morning said 1:1 would be better, otherwise they would gang up on Dopey!

 

So I don't know what to do. I didn't get anything this morning, as I was a little bit put off by the place - the hens seemed very quiet, a bit hunched, and one seemed squitty, and there were a couple of piles of feathers....

 

Any suggestions? I'm going to see another chicken lady this afternoon, as I've seen her hens already and they are in lovely condition. Thanks!

[dancing cloud]

Hard to say categorically whether they will gang up, as it will depend on the individuals you choose. If you pick a couple of the more docile ones hanging back rather than the pushy demanding ones at the front, they should be fine.

 

Think you made the right decision this morning - they don't sound like happy hens at all.

 

Fingers crossed that you find Dopey some lovely playmates

[chucknette]

Hi

 

OMO but you could get one to go with her and when they have become partners add say another three. Then if there is any squabbling they have each other to stand their ground.

 

When you go to see the chicken lady maybe she could offer you some advise too.

 

Hope this helps

 

Best Wishes

[NClaire]

Ok, I think I'm going to get 2. I had temporarily forgotten my deciding factor this morning which was that if they are really mean to Dopey, my fall back position is to gradually introduce them to the other chickens, and put my other Goldline (who is in with the Black Rock and Speckeldy) in with Dopey. But if I got 1, and she turned out to be mean to Dopey, I couldn't really put her in with the others, as she would be bullied then.

 

Are you all lost? I think I am! But I think this will work.

 

My plan is to get the 2 new ones, and lock them in the house part of the chicken run, with food and water. Then later this evening, I will let Dopey out into the garden, and open the pophole, so Dopey can see them in the run, and hopefully get used to the idea...then when she has gone to bed, let the others back into the house. I won't shut the pophole tonight, so they aren't shut in together, and then will be on hand in the morning to check everything is ok. If things don't go well, then I will divide the run into two, and try doing things more gradually, but I don't want the 2 new ones to bond away from Dopey. Then if they still pick on Dopey, I will do the same acclimatisation between them and the other flock, but put Honey in with Dopey. Complicated or what!

[Snowy]

For what it's worth, I think you are right to get two. Dopey will almost certainly be top chook because of her maturity and will initially boss the two newbies (even the softest chicken will assert her authority somehow, unless she is ill).

[NClaire]

I think the other thing they had forgotten this morning was that 2 chickens going in with Dopey isn't an ESTABLISHED PAIR going in, which would be difficult. But they will all be on an equal footing, and Dopey is established in the garden, and older, and laying, all of which should give her a higher place (I'm hoping - she deserves a turn at being Queen Chicken!).

 

Going to see chicken lady now - will let you know how I get on!

[Milly]

Some sellers don't like to sell single hens for welfare reasons (ie Cotwsold Chickens) - they think it's better for the new hen as one new one on its own is likely to be bullied by the old hands. Not sure what happens when you only have one in the first place though!

 

Milly

[Egluntyne]

I'd get 2. As they are strangers to eachother, they aren't likely to instantly gang up.

 

And Dopey does have the advantage of age.

 

Best of luck.

[NClaire]

I have my new girls! A silver link hybrid (which I think translates to an Amber Star) and a beautiful bluebelle. They are safely in the house, Dopey is in the run, they all have food and water, new girls are eating happily. A few squitty poos in the box on the way home, but am sure that will settle as they relax. Wish me luck for the grand introduction later on.....

[Egluntyne]

Good luck.

 

Names?

[Snowy]

Great news - keep us posted with progress! Good choice of breeds as well I think, two of the more docile temperament birds

[MedusA]

Good luck with the new introductions. It will be nice for Dopey to have some new friends.

[dancing cloud]

Here's hoping all goes well and that it's love at first sight

[Cooks]

congratulations.. cant wait for the names and piccies.

[NClaire]

New girls are out in the run - I think they were a little shell shocked by the move, but they have both just had a really long drink, and are now out in the run pecking around. Dopey is in the house, much to her disgust, with the pophole down. When it gets darker, I'll open the pophole so the two newbies can go in, and hopefully Dopey should be settled by then. I'll make sure there's plenty of food and water available tomorrow, and hope for the best! I 'think' the newbies are going to be Smokey (the bluebelle) and Snowball (the white one).