Adding a New Hen

[John Gusmano]

I have 2 hens in a decent size pen (13’x6’x8’ high). I would like to add a third. Will the other hens accept this new bird or attack her? I would like to get another hen, but I don’t want to jeopardize my two established birds or the safety of a new addition. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated!

[nytrapper23]

You never know how they will react,you just have to put one in and keep an eye on them.I have 3 hens ,when one gets broody I set pheasant eggs under her,when they hatch and she has raised them to where I can take them away from her (3 wks or so) when I put her back 90% of the time the other two harass her for a few days ,and these hens have been together 5 yrs or so.you never know.

[patricimo54]

Depends on what type of bird you introduce. You might consider putting her in a cage inside the pen for a few days to allow the other girls to get use to her.