Introducing new hens to your existing hens can be a difficult time. You may need to introduce hens for a number of reasons, the most common reason is that you have been bitten by the chicken bug and want more hens!
It is always easier to introduce at least two hens to an existing group but it can be possible to introduce one - although it may take more time. Whenever a new hen is introduced there will be some pecking - the pecking order MUST be established and a lot of this pecking looks worse than it actually is. The best way to minimise problems when settling in new hens is to consider these points
- Offer separate accommodation (Rent an Eglu!)
- Keep them separate for at least a week
- Allow the existing flock the chance to see the new chickens (scatter treats around the perimeter of the rented Eglu)
After a week
- Allow new and existing hens the chance to free range together - do this in the evening for an hour before roosting time. There will be squabbles and pecking but they will look worse than they are
A few days later
- Integrate your flock and your new hens
- Put the new hens in with the established flock at bedtime
- Allow them all some time in the run together
You should now have established a good introduction and the pecking order will be sorting itself out. You can expect the two groups to squabble for about three weeks before becoming fully integrated and free-ranging and dust bathing together as if they were always one group.
If you continue to have problems - read further into integrating hens by here on our links page.
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