Introducing new hens

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by Carolyn
(Glasgow)

Question

Introducing new hens: I have three hens already who all sleep in one chicken coop, I have another chicken coop and want to get 3 to 4 new chickens, should I encourage them to sleep in another house or should I just leave them all to it, to decide for themselves who sleeps where.

Each chicken house is big enough to house 4 chickens comfortably.

Answer
I’m all for leaving them to it. Introducing adult chickens to each other can be a bit stressful for them, or it could go smoothly.

Actually, when you get your new chickens, it would be a good idea to quarantine them for a week, inside the other coop, just to be careful not to introduce anything to your first three hens.

During that time they will get used to where they are supposed roost and the sounds of their new home.

Once you are sure the new chickens are healthy, I’d let them out together, maybe sprinkling scratch grains where they can eat near each other, but not have to compete.

Of course there will be some posturing and maybe a few mock fights, but as long as there is plenty of room and food and water, there should be no long term problems.

It can take months for them to fully bond as a flock, depending on the natures and attitudes of each hen.

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