Integrating a single pullet into flock

[Denverhomestead]

Hi everyone!

I've had chickens for about 5 years, currently have two 5year old RIRs. One of them is a bit of a bully.

I purchased 3 chicks this summer, but 2 died, sadly, of different causes, we think. (I dropped the 2nd one off for necropsy). So now, i have 1 lone aericauna pullet left! She's about 3.5m old, so about 1/2 the size of my 2 grown hens.

My question to you very experienced chicken people is: should i try to introduce her solo? Or attempt to purchase a 2nd pullet of similar size, then introduce both to the flock? Ive done a few supervised introductions that have gone ok.... some minor skirmishes, but Im lucky to have a large yard that the older hens free range and a small mini-coop for my pullet.

Option #2: separate the bully hen into the smaller pullet coop for a few weeks, and let the americauna pullet get used to life in the big coop with the other RIR. Then re-introduce everyone. ..

I don't have the ability to properly quarantine a THiRD pullet if i were to purchase the second pullet. I could keep her indoors for a few days, but then she would need to be combined with pullet #1. I'd hate to complicate things by introducing a disease, etc.

Help!

 

[Denverhomestead]

Here's a photo of my pullet who just sort of runs away from the larger RIRs. They peck at her, and then she leaves. I think she has learned now that its best just to leave the area. The yard is large, so she has room to escape, but.... i'm still worried. It's only been 1 full day of leaving both coop doors open so everyone can interact. The day before, i let them interact for only a few hours while supervised

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal Flock!
Integrating a single bird is most often very stressful. Keep close attention and offer several escape options from any/all aggression.
Best of luck!

 

[Denverhomestead]

Thank you! Im currently following thise recommendations. Do you think it would be less stressful to acquire a second pullet?

 

[aart]

Thank you! Im currently following thise recommendations. Do you think it would be less stressful to acquire a second pullet?

Hmmm...probably not, just yet another integration.

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics might help.

You might put the youngster in the coop/run, and block the older birds out, so she can get the lay of the land without being harassed.
There is the younger bird spending the nights?

Here's some tips on.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This might help too:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/

 

[Denverhomestead]

Thank you! I've read through all the posts/threads that I can possibly find on integrating a single chicken.... my coop is about 4feet by 8 feet, but they all free range during the day except the pullet. Her mini-coop is about 6x6. This week, I've been leaving her locked up, and then when I get home in the evenings, everyone has some time to free range together. My plan for this weekend is to put her in the big girls coop, and allow the big girls to free range (they're molting so they aren't laying at the moment, don't need to access the nest boxes)..... I think it will just take a few weeks, but I'm ok being patient.

Hmmm...probably not, just yet another integration.

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics might help.

You might put the youngster in the coop/run, and block the older birds out, so she can get the lay of the land without being harassed.
There is the younger bird spending the nights?

Here's some tips on.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This might help too:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/