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I have just bought a 5 month old Polish Bantam who was being henpecked and had been seperated from the pekins she was with because it was all getting a bit nasty (as I understand it she was paired with another polish and the hen pecking got much worse when her buddy was sold without her).

I admit to having a bit of a soft spot for the underdog and she was hugely inquisitive and friendly so I shortened the 'getting bantams' timeframe I was working on and took her home. She is now in a decent sized coop and run and there is room for about 3-4 others in there.

My question is, what is the best way to integrate her with other bantams and are there any breeds that are particularly friendly or ones to avoid? She has only been on her own for a week so I am hoping that it will not be too difficult. I have worked with a few other birds and animals when it comes to integrating so know the basics (have also done a lot of 'tinternet research) but any pointers from people in the know would be much welcomed. She (Kip) is a lovely little bird and I dont want her to be on her own for any longer than necessary.

Cheers

Gem

For those who like pics... As you can see she is already hand tame and has settled in really well considering she is on her own. Most of the plucking is on the back of her neck/head so the pic is her best angle

Blimey. Is there a chicken in there somewhere? It actually looks more like a parrot!

Hope you sort her out, I don't have any advice about bantams although there are several threads on here about introducing new hens to flocks. Maybe she needs another newbie to play with?

Had a chat with my Dad about this one, he says, keep her on her own for a few weeks utill she feels like the boss of her space then introduce younger birds to her,POL's are best, they will naturaly know ther place in the pecking order (sorry no pun intended)

I hope this helps

Eve

Cheers guys.

She seems to be perking up already so will leave it for a few weeks then see if we can get her some buddies.

Gem

Well turns out this one is easy!

Took the advice and bunged the new silkie I got last night in with my lonely little bantam at about 8 oclock when they were both too sleepy to protest, bit of confusion when I let them out this morning but when I locked them up this evening they were cuddled up like old biddies.

Really pleased and now I don't know what I worried about! ;)

Glad to hear it, hope they will both be very happy together.