Can I introduce a new chicken to my existing pet chicken or will they fight?

Question

She just lost her best buddy and is all alone. I was thinking about getting another one to keep her company. Would that work or do chickens fight if they are not raised together?

It is a very large yard if that makes any difference.

thank you

Answer 1

you can put hens together , or a hen and a rooster. but you cant put two roosters together.

Answer 2

Its hard to be certain how she will take to a newcomer.Is she free ranged?If so it will be easier since the other can get away if needed.If she is in a pen then you should put the new one in a pen beside hers for a while so they get use to each other before actually getting thrown together.Once you do put the new one with her keep a close eye on them.Some fighting is normal in the begining.This is to establish the pecking order.Once they work it out there may still be an occasional peck but they will be few and far between.Good Luck!

Answer 3

As long as the chickens are around the same size and age, they should be fine. If the newest addition is smaller.. you might want to wait around for awhile just to make sure that things are going to work out, and if you see any sign of fighting, or 'bucking', than you will/would want to remove the new addition as soon as you can.

Answer 4

I don't think it matters, just keep in mind that it will probably take time for them to warm up to eachother and you should get the new one as a baby chick not a full grown chicken.  It's like when you have a cat and bring in a new kitten, the older one will show it's dominance but eventually they will become great buddies!