guiltydrew Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 They need company so go for it and follow the advice in the FAQ section, I'm still wrangling with it but getting there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 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 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 I'd agree about getting 2 more if you have the space, however you need at least 1 more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
House MD 221B Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guiltydrew Posted October 25, 2009 Author Share Posted October 25, 2009 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!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 I'd say 2 also, for all the reasons already stated. **Click** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
