New friend for Nancy - Questions?

[BabyBantam]

Sorry, couldn't bring myself to add this to my other string
As stated, Nancy needs a friend.... was all set to get 2 new birds next month anyway to up to 4 again (as advised), but it's all gone a bit wrong.
I know I should introduce equal parts to a flock to help intergration and bullying issues, I also know about quarentine and dosing them before introduction, so my questions are -
1. Should I introduce 1 new friend, then another 2 later in the summer, or go for 2 now and check they've not lived in same pen (so they are all strangers to start with) and have 3 birds (better for ark size)?
2. Nancy still has a naked neck from where her feathers where plucked out - should I worry about this and spray purple before the new guest/s arrive, or will it not cause a problem?
3. Does anyone know of a good pekin breeder in Devon, I know one in Somerset, but wondered if there was anyone closer to Exeter?
4. 2 of my original birds died of maraks, but that was over 18 months ago. I really don't want to comprehend this, but should I not get new birds at all in case she 'may' be a carrier (she's 3ish). I got her and Mildred 2 years ago.

 

[dinosaw]

Can only give my ideas on question one BB and I would say to go for two birds now rather than one. I once introduced a single Pekin to another lone Pekin and if I had my time over I personally wouldn't do it again. I thought because the existing bird was a timid little thing who had been prone to bullying herself and they were both the same age it would work out ok but she was absolutely brutal to the newcomer, honestly seen nothing like it, just goes to show how much the bird already in place has a home turf advantage so to speak. Obviously it calmed down eventually but I wished I had got two birds in as they never really became friends.

 

[foxy]

I agree with Dino..try for 2 little pekins, preferably that know each other, from the same breeder. Lower risk healthwise than trying to source birds separately. Your girl will have the advantage of being "turf queen" and if your new girls know each then that will reduce stress for them. It is however always a challenge when trying to get a little flock together in harmony.
I do have 2 little salmon/wheaten pekins hatched last year if you are interested?

 

[Marigold]

Yes I agree - I only ever tried introducing a single bird on one occasion and it was hell for her, she was never really accepted. Although bottom of the heap for two years, really meek and mild under all the pecks, she was really so horrible to the next two girls I added that I had to rehome her in case she killed them.
I would make a netting barrier across the run for a couple of weeks, and create a temporary box for the new girls to sleep in, doesn't need perches, just to be dry and safe. Then they can get to know each other through the wire, and eventually you can add the new ones to the main coop when they are roosting (this will be quite a late night for you at the moment!)

 

[BabyBantam]

I do have 2 little salmon/wheaten pekins hatched last year if you are interested?

Thanks Foxy for your offer, will PM you at the weekend if thats ok

 

[BabyBantam]

Nancy has 2 stunningly beautiful new friends!
She looks a right state next to them in her moth eaten and don't care what I look like state
Introducing new chickens has not been easy (more so on me I fear), but easier than i thought, so Here are my thoughts and possibly some pointers...
1 put the new girls in at night
2 if possible, dont close the door to the house overnight, or be there BEFORE dawn to open it. Nancy got a pasting in the corner of the house because she didn't have any means to escape as the sun came up. I got there just too late
3 give them loads of space - extend the run to its max so they have space to run away, hide behind things and avoid each other
4 unless they draw blood or get really trapped in a corner, don't break up fights, as the quicker they have them, the quicker they'll work out where they all sit in the pecking order and get it over and done with
5 make sure you have purple antiseptic spray handy in case of cuts, this hides the blood so they don't home in on it. Be careful, it stains you as well as the chicken!
6 Do NOT feel sorry for your current babies and try to feed them treats to make up for putting them through the pain. This will only cause more fights and angst
7 Introduce them at the beginning of a weekend, so you can be there to keep an eye on them for a couple of days
8 make sure you have lots of food and water points scattered about so everyone can have a chance to fill up. Top chicken will bully all the rest off all the food if she can till things settle.
9 get ready for an emotional roller coaster and stock up on tissues, its pretty horrible to watch!
10 after (in my case) just over 24 hours, everything settled down and just under a week later, they are all pretty much calm and getting on with life, so it will come to an end and serenity return to the flock

 

[foxy]

Some sound advice there Babybantam, I also think it is much harder for us watching than for the chickens sometimes! Glad they have settled and all is well in your beautiful garden..