Solitary chicken - need advice

[Goldie]

Hi all - thanks for all replies on my previous thread about things to look for when buying new hens. I got 2 hens last Friday, they are both still in quarantine at the moment

 

Just wondering how to go about introducing them to my other 3 when the time comes. I have a couple of options and not sure which will be best.

 

We have just converted a shed into a new chicken coop, no-one has moved in yet.

 

Option 1 is moving them all in at the same time, neutral territory?

Option 2 is moving the new girls into the new shed first, so the old girls don't think it's 'theirs'.

Option 3 is move the old girls in first so they get used to where to return to after free ranging, and we don't have 5 lost hens!

 

Is it also advisable to let them free range together in the day and put them back in separate sleeping quarters at night?

 

Which option sounds best?

 

Thanks

[Redwing]

I'd go for option 2 personally

Failing that option 1

 

Def not option 3

[HarrisonFamily]

I would go for option 2 - let the new ones stay there for a few days then let them free range together and return to whatever home they decide....

[debbietabby]

HI.

I think it depends on the chickens. Some are really possessive of territory, others more laid back. My technique is

1. Allow new chook(s) to free range in view of existing chickens

2 allow free range together

3. try them together in run/coop

4 if there was still a problem, I put the most aggressive chicken into a hutch on her own in sight of the others for a few days. This wasn't popular but it did give the new girl time to settle in with the established chicken and muddled up the pecking order. Then they all went together.

It can take time. I think my worst one took 5 weeks to sort out, but it did. So hold your nerve!

Debbie