[chasechicken]

Hi all

I've had three ex-bats for several months now and really enjoying keeping them.  However, I now quite fancy getting one more hen - a more interesting colour though such as black or grey speckled.

But, worried about introducing it to the others.  The run has a divider so that's not a problem but the hen house doesn't so not sure if there will be carnage at night?

As this hen will be a different colour, is that likely to cause problems too?  The others are just standard rhode island red types (I think)...

Thanks!

Darren

[SMD66]

It's generally harder to introduce just 1 bird as all of the others will pick on her.  If she is in the next run could you not give her a temporary bedroom for a couple weeks then put them together?  I think once they are used to seeing her close by they wont react too badly once she's in with them.

[Bruced]

No. You should get two more hens. At least

[chasechicken]

Thanks for your replies - I could possible knock up a temporary hen house but it wouldn't be very nice for more than a week or so I wouldn't have though.

If I get two are they will they still need separating from the others for a while?

I'd get another 12 if I had the room.....

[mumsy]

Def don't get 1 & yes you will have to separate for a while. Alot on here keep them seperated but in view etc during the day & pop into the house at night when they are unlikely to squabble.  I have always kept separate for 3/4 weeks in a house on their own too.  Each week let them together to see how they go.  It is also wise to separate for a while incase of any nasties on the new ones.

[chasechicken]

Yes, very true!  Thanks for the advice, maybe two it is.......

[Flowerpower136]

.........make it 3

[chasechicken]

Or 10...