Adding pullets to the flock

[SilkieFlockOf5]

Hello chicken tenders! I have 3 hens and 2 pullets in my flock. My frizzle EE and cream legbar pullets are in the midst of integration. We did several weeks of see don’t touch where I put them in a crate within the run during the day and at night took them back to their coop. The past few days we’ve left the crate in there and opened the door allowing them to socialize together. All seems to be going well with minimal pecking/bullying.
My coop has an auto door and my big hens put themselves up at night. My question is regarding the final step here. Should I gather the pullets and wait til the coop is closed up then add them to the coop with the big girls? How do I navigate this final step for integration in the safest way possible?

 

[azygous]

It sounds like the older hens have pretty much accepted the youngsters. That's half the battle. The other half is overcoming the natural fear the pullets have of adult chickens. Putting them all in the coop in the evening is where it gets tricky, but there is a way.

First step is to close the pullets up in the coop as soon as the adults are finished laying for the day. Try to do it as early as possible before dusk to give the pullets plenty of time to become familiar with their new home. Provide them with food and water for the hours before roosting time.

When dusk comes, place the pullets on the perch at the far opposite end where the hens roost. They may be nervous and try to hop down. Place a hand gently on each of their heads exerting slight downward pressure. This will make them relax and feel sleepy. Do this in turn to each until they're all settled. Then let the older hens in.

Do this as it gets dark and there's a better chance of it going smoothly. Repeat this the second night. By the third night, they will have all become pretty much used to this new arrangement.

 

[SilkieFlockOf5]

It sounds like the older hens have pretty much accepted the youngsters. That's half the battle. The other half is overcoming the natural fear the pullets have of adult chickens. Putting them all in the coop in the evening is where it gets tricky, but there is a way.

First step is to close the pullets up in the coop as soon as the adults are finished laying for the day. Try to do it as early as possible before dusk to give the pullets plenty of time to become familiar with their new home. Provide them with food and water for the hours before roosting time.

When dusk comes, place the pullets on the perch at the far opposite end where the hens roost. They may be nervous and try to hop down. Place a hand gently on each of their heads exerting slight downward pressure. This will make them relax and feel sleepy. Do this in turn to each until they're all settled. Then let the older hens in.

Do this as it gets dark and there's a better chance of it going smoothly. Repeat this the second night. By the third night, they will have all become pretty much used to this new arrangement.

Thank you, I’ll try stocking them in during the day like you said. I have a new layer (2 eggs so far, YAY!) so I’m not entirely sure of her schedule yet. I have an Omlet coop (please no judgement, I still haven’t figured out why everyone hates them- I love it) and my 3 hens all have their sleep spaces. One keeps her body in the coop and head in the nesting box, one is at the front, and one in the back so I’m not sure where opposite end would be…

 

[azygous]

Omlet coops are fine for two or three chickens, but you may find that harmony might suffer as space becomes tighter after adding more chickens.

 

[SilkieFlockOf5]

Omlet coops are fine for two or three chickens, but you may find that harmony might suffer as space becomes tighter after adding more chickens.

I’ve got the cube and won’t put more than 5 in there 4 are medium sized and I guess my Ginger is considered large. I really only wanted 4 but realized my EE that was raised with the silkies (that got a new home) needed a friend so she didn’t head into the coop integration alone. So, reluctantly, I have 5 and definitely won’t add more.

 

[EvieChickenGirl]

I have an Omlet coop (please no judgement, I still haven’t figured out why everyone hates them- I love it) and my 3 hens all have their sleep spaces.

I have 3 Omlet coops and a wooden one built from scratch. The omelets are way easier to clean.

 

[SilkieFlockOf5]

I have 3 Omlet coops and a wooden one built from scratch. The omelets are way easier to clean.

I love mine. We’re in FL so the bugs are plentiful. It’s so easy to keep clean and keeps the bugs and critters at bay!