Debby Tutton Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Help, We have 3 Sussex hens of about 4 months and have just got another of about 3 months. The oldies seem to be picking on the newbie as they won't let her in the cube. I've never introduced a hen into an established group and I'm concerned about them establishing a pecking order to the cost of the newbie. As background information we started with 4 chooks but one turned out to be a boy so was returned and swapped for the newbie. Any advice would be gratefully received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Not a good idea to pitch a single, younger hen in with older ones I'm afraid. Some advice here and here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debby Tutton Posted June 17, 2011 Author Share Posted June 17, 2011 Oh Lord, Is it okay to keep 3 hens together ? I read somewhere that keeping 3 or 5 hens is a problem too ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Odd numbers are ok to kee together, if that is what you mean. I think it is around 7+ hens when the hen at the bottom of the pecking order is bad (sorry, I can't phrase it properly!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 The numbers aren't the issue, it is the adding of a single younger hen to an older group that is causing the problem. Introduced slowly, and they will all get on fine, with careful management. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
