by Kim Berg, CoopCrate staff writer
Much like your chickens, every flock differs from coop to coop. Bringing a new chicken to your flock may ruffle some feathers, or it may not. It just depends on the attitude of your flock and how you go about introducing them to your newest addition. Here are some steps to take when you get a new addition to your flock.
1. Use A Barrier
You can never be certain how your flock will react to a new chicken. That’s why it’s important to start off with a barrier between your newest chicken and the rest of the flock. A barrier can be a cage, or anything else that prevents the chicken on one side from getting to the other. This will allow your flock to get up close and personal to the new member, but prevent any potential fights from breaking out.
Your flock may be perfectly calm around the new chicken, but they may also feel threatened and intimidated by it. Barriers act as a safer way to ease your flock into settling in with one another. We recommend using a barrier for the first 4-5 days depending on how both sides react. Just make sure you provide access to food and water in whatever barrier you use!
2. Allow The Flock To Wake Up Together
Even though you have them separated, integrating your new chicken into the morning routine is important. No matter where you’re keeping your newest chicken for the time being, make sure you allow the whole flock to wake up together! This will help the flock feel more unified, even though your new chicken is caged for now. When a flock recognizes another chicken as one of their own, it makes the integration process a lot easier! Try this method for a couple weeks until they warm up to each other.
3. Prepare For Pecking
Whether or not your chickens are territorial, pecking may occur to establish dominance among your flock. This social hierarchy among chickens is called a “pecking order.” In general, the fittest and healthiest chickens will sit at the top of this hierarchy. It is expected for mild pecking to occur when first introducing a new chicken to the flock. If this persists and appears to be bullying, you may need to take extra measures to put an end to it. Be sure to have a safe place for your chickens to run to if they are getting pecked. Your role is to act as “mother hen” when this occurs, shooing away any pecking chickens to prevent bullying.
4. Have Patience
It may not happen over night, but your flock will learn to get along eventually. This process can take weeks, depending on the attitude of your flock and your new chicken. Don’t get discouraged, and don’t be afraid to take the lead! Do what you feel is right to make sure your flock can live as one big happy family.