Sooo much pooping

[Tilly Bud]

Hello,

 

I've lost one of my hens, Beatrice. It's a long story but she's gone and I'm left with just Harriet. I'm absolutely heartbroken, she was the best, sweetest, silliest, stupidist and most wonderful hen I've ever had. I loved her so, so much, she'll be very sorely missed by everyone.

 

But I need to know what to do with Harriet. She's on her own now and I know hens shouldn't be alone. Do I need to introduce a new hen? I know you're supposed to introduce more than one at a time but I only want to keep two.

 

I need some advice, anything would be appreciated.

 

Thank you.

[hippy chick]

So sorry to hear about Beatrice. RIP little one

I would definitely get her a new friend they hate to be alone.

[Mercedes55]

So sorry to hear about Beatrice, that is just so sad and I can understand how awful you must be feeling right now. I would definitely get a new hen to keep Harriet company as they really do need to be with other hens to be happy.

[Mollie333]

Three would be comfy in a eglu, then you wouldn't have the problem if another one passes. But definatly get another friend. I'm so sorry for your loss!

 

Mollie

[Plum]

Sad news, looking forward to seeing your new girl.

[Roobaloo]

Sorry for your loss it's never easy.

 

Introducing one hen to another individual should be fine...as it avoids either side ganging up. Quarantine any new bird and then start intros gently as your girl may be feeling insecure and defensive.

 

Best wishes!

 

x

[Tilly Bud]

Thank you all so much. I need to investigate how to properly introduce a new hen to another. It all seems to soon, I just want Beatrice to find her way home but I can't hope she will and I can't leave Harriet on her own for too long. I never introduced a new hen before though, it'll be a new experience .

[Egluntyne]

Some advice **here**.

[sewitall]

I do sympathise with your loss. I found it helped me enormously when I got 2 new ones. The busy process of careful and slow introductions plus getting to know the characters of the new hens helped me get over the loss of my gingernut a few weeks ago and took my mind off my sadness. I followed the advice on introductions given on this forum and, after separating them in the run for 10 days, my existing 2 gradually accepted the new ones without any major fights and only quick pecks to keep the newbies in their place. The use of a water pistol helped when pecks were beginning to get out of hand plus 2 water and feeding stations.

[Tilly Bud]

Would I use the same process introducing one or two hens to a flock as I would introducing one to another?

 

Harriet's alone and I'll only be getting one more hen. Should I still use the same methods of separation (putting the new one in a hutch/run nearby) or is there a different way to do it?

 

Thanks x

[Cinnamon]

Pretty much,yes.

 

Can I just say that you are MUCH better off getting 2 new hens if you can

The intros will be easier,3 is the perfect small flock number - they are really no more trouble than 2, & if one does flutter off,you will still have a pair & not need to go through the intro process again.

I take it your remaining hen is in lay? - introducing on a 1-1 basis may be tough on the younger hen,but getting 2 youngsters will throw your existing girl & things should be a bit smoother.

 

Far be it from me to encourage people to buy more hens ,but if you can do it,please consider getting 2 new girls

[Roobaloo]

if one does flutter off,you will still have a pair & not need to go through the intro process again.

 

Though, surely you're then down to two anyway and back in the same boat? As it's unfair to introduce one new hen to two established girls...and so you still need to wait until you're down to one hen before you can start introductions again?

[Cinnamon]

Bearing in mind that it should be the eldest hen that goes first,you would be left with a pair of established hens of similar age,who would be happy together until one pops off

Then when one of them goes,you get another pair of youngsters,& introduce them to that remaining hen,giving you 3 again......seemples

[Ridgie]

I was left in the same position as you earlier this year. Within the week I had bought 3 new hens to keep Gladys company. Everyone has different experiences with introductions and I was a little nervous to say the least!

 

All in all it took 3 weeks for everything to completely settle down, I let the girls free range together from the start but didn't put them in to sleep together until the fourth night when they all seemed fairly settled. I did have a very good chicken first aid kit on standby just in case and they were all closely watched/inspected for any signs of bullying, there were some hefty head pecks and feather pulling initially but nothing more.

 

Needless to say Gladys is top chook and you would think they've all been best buddies for a lifetime when you look at them now, I haven't regretted getting the extra 3!