Chicken Memorials

[heth1986]

Without going into the sad story which is already in the 'chicken clinic' thread, basicall my Wendy is probably not going to be with us for much longer which leaves Mary on her own

 

Just a quick question for your knowledgeable opinions... I've got room for a few more but, only having one left, am I better getting 1 girl and introducing 1:1 or getting 2 girls and introducing 2:1?

 

I guess in the long run it's better to have a few in case I lose one but at the same time, i don't want to overwhelm Mary. BUT if I get 2, is Mary less likely to make a fuss???

[Olly]

I'd say 2:1 simply on the basis that I don't think either one is easier than the other, and you might as well get two new hens as just one. If your new ones are POL pullets they're likely to be subdued and shy to begin with and Mary is likely to dominate, and so if there are two of them, they'll keep each other company.

[mabelandflosmum]

I recently introduced 3 new hens to my old girl Flo.

Although she hated them at first , there was a lot of squawking and pecking but nothing too vicious, I am glad I gave her some new friends especially as one of my new girls had to be put to sleep last week.

If I had just introduced one new hen I could now be back to having only my old girl again.

I would suggest at least 2 new hens, it took a few weeks for peace to break out but Flo is now loving her new friends and has turned into a real Spring chicken again!

[heth1986]

Yep, that's what I was thinking, I just wanted to double check that 2 wouldn't be too much for her in one go.

 

Thanks everyone, helpful advice as always!

 

Now to choose which hens...