Introducing new hen to flock

[daniel1005]

Im new to poultry keeping. The Wednesday before last (15th) we had 4 coloured hybrid hens delivered. They've kinda sorted out the pecking order still a few pecks going on every now and then. I am wondering how easy it would be to introduce a 5th hen to the flock. I don't want to spend even more money buying enclosures to go by the side so they can get to know each other without been violent. The age of my 4 hens is about 20-26 weeks 2 have started laying, 2 haven't. The reason I would like a 5th is because I've just enlarged the enclosure so there's much more space now.

 

[dinosaw]

I'd say don't do it, the general consensus is not to introduce single birds as they take the brunt of it off the rest of the established flock alone and end up isolated and one bird put straight into a flock of 4 is going to get hammered. If you really want more birds then introduce them two at a time but it really is better not to put them straight in with the others. If you do put them straight in then expect them to get a good hiding for a couple of weeks.

 

[Marigold]

I agree with Dinosaw, introducing a single hen is always a problem. You haven't had your birds for long, but they will have established their flock structure and will make a single newcomer feel permanently isolated and unwelcome, maybe beating her up and injuring her badly if you just put her straight in with them. If you have room for two more, and can divide your run with some mesh, and provide a temporary roosting place for the new birds for two weeks, they will have a much easier time of it when they join the others. In any case, you should always plan to separate new birds for this length of time, in case they are developing any illness as a result of the stress of being moved to a new environment. Ideally they should be in a pen away from the others for proper quarantine, but dividing the run is the best that many of us can manage, and need not be expensive. This time gives them a chance to settle in and bond as a pair, if you have two newbies, and this will make it more easily possible for them to integrate with the other hens as they will support each other within the group. Being able to separate hens from time to time, for various reasons, isn't really an optional extra but a necessity, eg when one is ill, or has been bullied and injured, as well as when new hens are introduced.
If you haven't got room for two more, then it might be best to keep the number you have got and see how you get on. Remember that each adult hen needs a minimum of 2 square metres of run space, more is better, so unless you can provide at least 12 square metres of run, it would be a good idea to hold off getting more birds. If and when you do get more, try to ensure they are at least as old as the present hens, as young birds not yet mature enough to lay will be unable to have the confidence to make their mark among older 'strangers.'

 

[chrismahon]

Agree with marigold and Dinosaw 100% Daniel. Putting a solitary 5th bird in is signing its death warrant at this stage. Reputable breeders won't sell you one hen, you can only get pair or explain how you are going to integrate it. The Wernlass collection is a good example "we only sell hens in pairs- no exceptions". This is for the reasons already given above.

 

[valeriebutterley]

I have currently got four growers in together, 2 v. large purebred LF light Sussex utilities, a cream Legbar, and a Leghorn/Legbar cross.
They came from the same breeder, and I feel they need each other, and to be as a family before facing my large, happy and integrated mob of eight who will certainly not like the size and demeanour of the Light Sussex.
I aim to give them a few more weeks, they are 13 at the moment. The light Sussex are HUGE and a bit feisty (and of course stunning), but Starry the Legbar is gentle and quiet, it is her I worry about a bit, BUT they came together and will go into the big pen together.