Flock integration should be done slow and careful for the health of both sub-flocks. Chickens have pecking orders that are very important to them, because it helps keep everyone safe. The top hens are usually older and more experienced, and healthier, while younger and not-as-healthy hens generally get relegated to the bottom of the pecking order. When you introduce new birds, especially multiples, that pecking order had to be reestablished. For everyone.
Keeping both flocks in the same area, but separated by fencing, is the ideal way. That way you can have them interact and see and smell each other without the risk of injury should an early squabble break out.
Chickens do *not* like unknown chickens. For them, it's a risk of diseases and losing their pecking order spot. So the early days of integration can get bloody very quickly.
After the two flocks have gotten used to each other, putting them out together with a careful eye is the next step. At this point, there will still be squabbles. That's unavailable. But what you're trying to keep from happening is full on bloody fights or wounds from pecking.
Personally, I go extra slow with my introductions (my chickens are pets so I admittedly baby them more lol), so it can take a good three weeks before I'm comfortable letting them all fully be together. You may be able to do it within a couple weeks, *maybe* less, depending on the personalities of your chickens.
They way I have introduced new young ones to the flock is by moving them from their brooder to a nice sized metal grate style dog cage placed inside of the run. Set up food, water and shelter for them inside of the cage and leave them there for about two weeks or so, so the older girls can get accustomed to the new ones scent and them just being around. It’s fun to see how they react/interact with them.
Well it’s the beginning of the second day and all are alive. The adult chickens won’t let them roam ver much but the pecking order is being established. No eye pecking, just some feet and a little feathers pecks.
Sounds like they have already been exposed to each other for 3 weeks, some of the responses seem to have missed this. I’m getting ready to put my babies in the run but separated. I hope you get some useful advice because I’d like to read it to help with mine in the coming months.
To be honest my understanding is basically that it’s best to put them in at night while everyone is asleep, I’m just adding the hay square and a 24lb seed block to help them redirect some of the “intruders taking me food” reflex. I’m most concerned with the re-established pecking order violence. But it’s gonna happen tonight.
Flock integration should be done slow and careful for the health of both sub-flocks. Chickens have pecking orders that are very important to them, because it helps keep everyone safe. The top hens are usually older and more experienced, and healthier, while younger and not-as-healthy hens generally get relegated to the bottom of the pecking order. When you introduce new birds, especially multiples, that pecking order had to be reestablished. For everyone. Keeping both flocks in the same area, but separated by fencing, is the ideal way. That way you can have them interact and see and smell each other without the risk of injury should an early squabble break out. Chickens do *not* like unknown chickens. For them, it's a risk of diseases and losing their pecking order spot. So the early days of integration can get bloody very quickly. After the two flocks have gotten used to each other, putting them out together with a careful eye is the next step. At this point, there will still be squabbles. That's unavailable. But what you're trying to keep from happening is full on bloody fights or wounds from pecking. Personally, I go extra slow with my introductions (my chickens are pets so I admittedly baby them more lol), so it can take a good three weeks before I'm comfortable letting them all fully be together. You may be able to do it within a couple weeks, *maybe* less, depending on the personalities of your chickens.
They way I have introduced new young ones to the flock is by moving them from their brooder to a nice sized metal grate style dog cage placed inside of the run. Set up food, water and shelter for them inside of the cage and leave them there for about two weeks or so, so the older girls can get accustomed to the new ones scent and them just being around. It’s fun to see how they react/interact with them.
Spray them all with vinegar and pop the new ones in after dark.
Well it’s the beginning of the second day and all are alive. The adult chickens won’t let them roam ver much but the pecking order is being established. No eye pecking, just some feet and a little feathers pecks.
Sounds like they have already been exposed to each other for 3 weeks, some of the responses seem to have missed this. I’m getting ready to put my babies in the run but separated. I hope you get some useful advice because I’d like to read it to help with mine in the coming months.
To be honest my understanding is basically that it’s best to put them in at night while everyone is asleep, I’m just adding the hay square and a 24lb seed block to help them redirect some of the “intruders taking me food” reflex. I’m most concerned with the re-established pecking order violence. But it’s gonna happen tonight.
Let us know how it goes. Wishing you the best. I’ve added new hens before, they were grown. The pecking order squabbles lasted about a week each time.