Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[menagerie]

Hi, it is ages since I was on this forum but I was hoping that people might be able to help me with a pressing question. One of my hens sadly died last week leaving me with a single hen. This happened once before and we decided to keep the remaining hen on her own until she died as she was never very sociable anyway and she seemed happy enough. However this time the remaining hen seems a bit distressed - lots of shouting and pacing, so I am minded to get another one or two hens to keep her company. Can anyone advise if this is a good idea? I have introduced two new to two old in the past and it wasn't entirely successful so I am a bit hesitant.

Thank you!

[Beantree]

You shouldn't have much of a problem introducing two point-of-lay to your single oldie Menagerie. She is obviously lonely and wants company, but she will first assert her authority with a few pecks. Our next door neighbour has had the same problem and just put them into the coop at night without any fuss at all.

 

Two new to two old is a different matter, as you found out last time and needs a far more careful approach. We have in the past just stuck them in at night and sprayed them all with lavender, but I think in hindsight we were very lucky.

[menagerie]

Thank you for the reassurance, Beantree. I expect you are right and two point of lay would be the best option, especially as the current one is lonely and has always been quite sociable. I'm hoping I can find somewhere reasonably local with point of lay in stock at the weekend.

 

The previous time we did quite a long introduction process with a divided run and so on, and while it worked to an extent there were still clearly two 'gangs' for ever after, with some ongoing aggressive behaviour. I don't think it helped that the group included a very large (and antisocial) Bluebelle and a very skittish White Star. I'll go for nice tame varieties this time if I can get a choice.

[menagerie]

Well I took the plunge and now have two more point of lay - a Speckledy and a Blue Ranger. Magpie has definitely asserted herself as top chicken, but the poor Speckledy is being pecked by everyone and seems to be bottom chicken. I hope it settles down soon....

[Beantree]

It's likely the Speckledy and the Ranger were strangers to each other so there is a lot of sorting out to do. I'd expect it to calm down quite quickly, but if one is a bit too persistent with the bullying we have found a carefully aimed water pistol a very effective tool. Important they have enough space and very helpful if you double up on feeders and drinkers for a while so the Speckldey can be certain to be eating and drinking.

[menagerie]

Thanks - I'll definitely keep the water pistol idea up my sleeve! Things seem a bit calmer at the moment. I have a classic with an extended run and two sets of feeders and drinkers and I've also tried to put in some extra food at the eglu end (though they tend to trample it). I think she's managing to eat something but the others keep chasing her round. I managed to let her out to free range on her own for a bit and gave her some extra food, and then when I put her back in with some mixed corn scattered round they all seemed to be getting some, so fingers crossed all will settle down.