Is introducing 2 hens to an exising flock better than 1?

mtoyne · « **on:** July 20, 2008, 13:38 »

This is a follow on question from finding a breeder in Yorkshire. Our light sussex has to be put down tommorow, it is my daughters so we want to replace it. Would we be better getting 2 hens and adding them to the 5 we have or will i be able to succesfully introduce just 1? OH thinks its just an excuse to sneak another chicken in but ive read somewhere that this is the best way?

agapanthus · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2008, 13:55 »

It woud be better with 2. That way 2 get picked on and not just the one!!

mumsy · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2008, 18:48 »

I only got one & introduced her to two, it worked in the end but took a couple of months, only get in two's now!!

babe · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2008, 18:49 »

its better to introduce 4 or 5.... 8 to be on the safe side

Kate and her Ducks · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2008, 18:53 »

I've just introduced 3 ducks to my existing 6 and they have settled in immediately which I'm quite surprised by. No messing about at all. They are all settled together on the grass having a doze after tea! Last time when the 3 ducklings were introduced to my existing girls it took about 3 weeks for them to settle in and work things out :roll:

Don't know if ducks are a little more laid back about the pecking order sort of thing.

mumsy · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2008, 19:02 »

Quote from: "babe"

its better to introduce 4 or 5.... 8 to be on the safe side

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

You know I would if I could :roll: :roll:

kimT · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2008, 21:54 »

Two or more is always best.

mtoyne · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2008, 10:03 »

Quote from: "babe"

its better to introduce 4 or 5.... 8 to be on the safe side

Would love to have the space for that many more.
Thanks everyone for your replies, they are as i thought, just have to show this to OH now.

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