4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[guiltydrew]

Hi everyone, me and my girlfrend need a bit of advice!

 

We have just recently lost one of our hens Nora. We are now left with Edna (who is one and a half and a bit bossy!). She recently seems to be a bit lonely. I am not sure if it is a good idea or not to introduce another hen. I want Edna to have a friend and some company, especially in the cold winter, but I don't want the process of introducing a new hen to be terrible for her and the newbie!

 

So to boil it down

 

1. Can you introduce a single hen to another single hen ?

2. Is it worth me introducing a new hen or will it upset them both too much?

 

Thanks for having a read!

Drew, Heather and Edna.

[Plum]

They need company so go for it and follow the advice in the FAQ section, I'm still wrangling with it but getting there.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I would say definitely get her a friend . I think she'd be more miserable alone than unhappy with a newcomer so go for it!

 

One to one may well work fine as they wouldn't have anyone to gang up with .

[Patricia W]

Go for two - then you'll never have a lone hen again. Introductions seem to vary in how long they take. I think it depends on the personality of the chickens. Mine is taking a very long time but don't let that put you off.

 

You'll find lots of advice on here - for example about some additional accommodation and how to divide an eglu/cube run etc.

 

She does need company as they are a flock animal

 

Tricia

[Space Chick]

I'd agree about getting 2 more if you have the space, however you need at least 1 more

[House MD 221B]

we are on day 2 of our first introductions right now, we are introducing 3 hens to the 1 remaining hen. Follow the advice and you will be fine, so far so good for our first intro, it's hard, but its very rewarding, for example today Angua walked over to me and let me pick her up without chasing her, which is a huge milestone!!!

 

You definitely need 1 more chicken, but if you want and can manage 2 more or even 3 more, go for it. There are always people willing to help.

[guiltydrew]

Thankyou so much for your quick replies!!!

 

I agree with everyones thinking on getting 2 more rather than just the one. The only thing is we have an eglu plus the run, there is no extra part of the run (as yet). Do you think this would be enough space for the time being?

 

Also if I was to introduce two young hens would this be easier as Edna could take the dominent role from the off?

 

Thanks everyone for your time over this, it is really appreciated!!

Drew, Heather, Edna (and maybe two more hens soon!)

[Egluntyne]

I'd say 2 also, for all the reasons already stated.

 

**Click**

[Chook n Boo Mum]

I'd go with the two newbies too.....but get the converter to extend your run..................or a piece of weldmesh which you can make your own extension from to give them all as much space as possible, the newbies will need to get away from Edna if she gets stroppy

 

Good luck,

 

Sha x