[Houndsman]

Hi all

I have colected my 1st two hens last Saturday (RIR & Speckled Blue) both have been laying eveyday since which is great.
However the seller told me I should have at least three hens to establish pecking order. Do I really need three hens ? I was intending to have x3 but they didnt have the French Moran I wanted until this Thurs.
So if I do will I be up agaisnt bullying? When I introduce her My RIR seems to be Ms Bossy at the moment.
Look forward to any comments
Thanks

[compostqueen]

Yes, they come in threes as a rule, and that's really the minimum

[Lindeggs]

The more the merrier!  But yes, a minimum of three hens is usually advised.

You shouldn't have any trouble integrating them if you get your Marans hen on Thursday.  It's unlikely your two will have settled in enough yet to be very territorial.  If you do have any problems they should be fairly minor and you can find a lot of threads on here advising how to deal with any integration problems.

Am I correct in thinking the marans is coming from the same breeder?  This would be ideal, as you won't need to quarantine to isolate any parasites or diseases.

Good luck, and have fun with your hens. 

[Squiggly]

As Lindeggs has said you should be fine if getting her on Thursday so don't worry  Its not as if you are leaving it a long time until you get your 3rd.

But you do know they become addictive don't you 

[Houndsman]

Thanks guys thats reassuring and yes the Maran iscoming from the same breeder.

 

[Pertelotte]

You're now in great danger!!!!! 

Not only have you started with 'not quite enough chickens' but you're getting 'just one more'.

But, on the other hand, why not start out how you will probably continue. We all have our tales to tell.   

[bantam novice]

Good luck with your increasing flock 
Keep us posted.