Help introducing 9 week old pullet to a flock of other 9 week old pullets?

[Mganson99]

I've found several posts about introducing new birds to your flock, but my pullets were just moved out to their coop last week and since one of them has turned out to be a cockerel that I have to get rid of, I'm considering purchasing another pullet to bring my flock back up to 6. Would I still follow the same steps mentioned for adult birds or will an introduction at this age be easier since they aren't fully mature? Thanks!

 

[SandyRiverChick]

For me, I follow same steps always but to your point about age, some integrations are much faster than others. I have a little run within my run so I'd put her in there first and then let out with the rest for short amount of time, repeat, repeat until it's not needed. Also while she's in her own space you can be assessing her health to make sure no coughing, poo good, etc.

 

[Penpal]

I would put her in a pen by herself for a couple of hours and then put one or two of the other ladies with her for a couple of hours, and then another couple. The next day with first feeding, I would put the other ladies in and watch them. Make sure you have more feeding dishes than you need so there is no competition for food. Watch them and how they react to the new girl.

 

[rosemarythyme]

At 9 weeks the other birds may accept her with little to no fuss, or she may need a more structured integration if they won't. I'd probably try tossing her in while supervising but be ready to separate them and slow things down if needed.