integrating chickens

Rescuing a neighbor's neglected flock: can these cluck-tastic survivors be saved

Oh, a neglected flock *and* a chicken drama queen in your existing coop? You've got a real-life soap opera on your hands. First, cluck-tastic for wanting to step in. Chances of survival for those adult hens are surprisingly high if you get them out of that neglectful situation, chickens are resilient little weirdos. Your protocol should start with a strict quarantine, at least 30 days in a separate space. Watch for respiratory issues, mites, and general weakness. A vet check is ideal, but at minimum, treat for external parasites and offer electrolytes in their water. As for integrating them with your current crew… well, you already have one that plays fowl ball, so be prepared for some pecking order chaos.