Introducing new girls to older ones.

[captbridgers]

I have a small coop but a huge run. coop size ...4 to 6 hens. I have 3 girls 2 yrs old...just bought 2 new girls, 5 mos old. Was thinking about putting 2 new girls in coop for a few hrs so they could acclimate. Then, in afternoon, releasing them to mingle with older girls. After reading several replies to same question, I now wonder if I should just allow them to mingle for the rest of the day. Will they (normally) follow the older girls into the coop if they have never been in before? Would the older girls (normally) attempt to prevent them from entering coop? Help!! It's 11 AM .. Not much time left to decide!! Thanks! captbridgers

 

[Poultrybreeder]

You should probably just leave them in the run with the other hens, it is the best way to get them to mingle. The older hens should show the young ones how to get inside of the coop. I don't think there is a way for the older ones to not let the younger ones in, as long as the door stays open, they should still be able to go in

 

[AdrienneG]

We've been the most successful in the past by introducing the new girls at night into the coop while everyone is calm and resting. The established chickens tend to kind of wake up and just say, okay there are more chickens then go about their day. Of course, there will likely still be scuffles at first.

Wishing you lots of luck and a happy weekend!

 

[captbridgers]

We've been the most successful in the past by introducing the new girls at night into the coop while everyone is calm and resting. The established chickens tend to kind of wake up and just say, okay there are more chickens then go about their day. Of course, there will likely still be scuffles at first.

Wishing you lots of luck and a happy weekend!

 

[captbridgers]

Thanks Poultrybreeder & AdrienneG. Sounds good to me. Lived in Fremont, officed in SF 17 yrs. Loved Santa Cruz & the mtns..Ridge Winery was a favorite hangout! Not too far distant, AdrienneG! Thanks to both of you guys Hope y'all have a happy (and safe) FOURTH. Yeah, the Y'all comes from being a transplanted Virginian.

 

[aart]

a huge run

How big in feet by feet?

coop size ...4 to 6 hens.

What is that in feet by feet?

Integration Basics:

It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[captbridgers]

How big in feet by feet?


What is that in feet by feet?

Integration Basics:

It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

My apologies for not responding sooner. Fourth and all, you know...coop is small....7 feet long, 3 feet wide & 5 feet tall....just large enough for 5 really. pen is huge...just under 1/4 acre. Then sometimes I let them out to run around the yard..which they prefer, of course, even tho their area has downed tree limbs for roosting, plenty of green grass, items under which they can "hide" lots of shade trees & dusting areas...they actually live a shade better than do I! Your response was very interesting & I have already accomplished a lot of your suggestions but I always want more. I will use the rest of your advice!! Thanks for your help. captbridgers

 

[aart]

3x7 could be pretty tight quarters, especially for integration.
3' width can make for a bottle neck,
depending on how you have things arranged in there.
Would you post pics of inside?

I don't think there is a way for the older ones to not let the younger ones in,

Older birds most surely can prevent youngers from entering coop,
have heard many a 'guarding the door' stories....
...plus just the intimidation factor, those big girls are scary!