Introducing new hens to single old chuck

[woodworm]

Hi everyone! Not sure I've posted this in the right place ...

My parents kept chickens all their lives. My mum kept the small (six) flock that my dad hatched before he passed (10½ years) so this hen is at least 11 years old. She is the only one left and my mum would like to get more chickens.

I'm worried about introducing new chickens to such an old girl, but my mum is worried that she is lonely as she was one of two until very recently.

Is she too old to introduce to new chicks / hens? (the chicken, not my mother!).

They have plenty of space (500sq ft) though they are probably requiring a new coop which I could build. She would only want 3 or 4 hens but I'm not sure if she would be better with chicks, hens or even just waiting for the last one to pass.

To be clear, our chickens have always been pets that laid eggs and have always been allowed to live out their lives.

Thank you in advance for any comments

 

[aart]

Best case scenario would be to brood new chicks in a section of coop,
where older pullet can see but not touch them,
then integrate them around 3-4 weeks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

With day old chicks there's less risk of bringing in pests or disease...
....and they are less of a 'threat' to the existing bird.

Tough call.

Here's some tips about.....
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.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[woodworm]

Thank you!