Single hen

[Susie]

I have 2 chickens who are about two and a half years old. I would like to introduce two more and have plenty of space for this. I am just worried that there might be some s"Ooops, word censored!"ping and pecking going on between them if I'm not careful as the two I have got get on well. Perhaps I should just go ahead and get two more and not worry about it - I'm sure farmers don't give it much thought. What do you think? Is there anyone who wants to dispose of their chickens?

[rachel19]

I've done a couple of introductions and have just put them all together straight away - if you have the space then I'd say this is the best way as it gets the nastiness out of the way early on. There's some pecking and bullying for a few days and then they settle down. Space is essential if you're doing this tho so the new ones can avoid the older established pair when they need to - also plenty of food dotted around to prevent conflict. Good luck!

[Susie]

Thanks for that advice Rachel. I will go ahead and just plonk them in and keep an eye on them until I'm sure they're not being massacred (is that spelt right). I dont have an eglu but a chicken house in octagonal shape so there will be enough room for them to get out of the way. Will let you know how I get on.

[anjuli]

We are playing safe with our new ones until they are abit bigger. They are15 weeks at the mo and still staring at the older chicken through a dividing run. Had a bad experience once when we didn't do the intros right, so are being OTT careful this time.