The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: BML on March 05, 2022, 05:35:41 pm

Title: Problems from adding birds to flock?
Post by: BML on March 05, 2022, 05:35:41 pm

 I vaguely remember from a few years ago that when I added a bird to my small group one started to pick on one of the others. Can that be stopped because I have one chicken left from three I bought a few years ago and I would like to buy a couple of new ones.
 

Title: Re: Problems from adding birds to flock?
Post by: Fleecewife on March 05, 2022, 06:21:04 pm

Quote from: BML on March 05, 2022, 05:35:41 pm

I vaguely remember from a few years ago that when I added a bird to my small group one started to pick on one of the others. Can that be stopped because I have one chicken left from three I bought a few years ago and I would like to buy a couple of new ones.

The problem should be minimal as they will all be new to each other. To make it easier you could move the existing bird into a new house so they would all be new to the house as well - no territoriality

Title: Re: Problems from adding birds to flock?
Post by: chrismahon on March 05, 2022, 06:25:19 pm

Moving new pair to an existing hen in her own coop will result in her establishing her own territory, whilst the newbies will be struggling to know where they are. Result will be she is top hen and with the newbies probably not knowing each other that well it should be plain sailing. Just keep an eye on them and give them plenty of space and double up on feeders and drinkers for a while.