How can I add new chickens to coop/flock with aggressive Shamo chickens?

[Gaettberry]

I’m having trouble introducing new barred rocks(2) olive egger(2) chickens both of which are 6 weeks old, they are in a 4x6 coop. The Shamos(4) are a mix with American game and O-Shamo and are 10-11 weeks old, they are in an 8x10 coop. i also understand the age difference makes it an issue and i understand I will need patience. I tried to let them free range together earlier and the shamo hen grabbed ahold of the olive egger and held on and I had to intervene. Either way I would like for this to go peacefully as I would love to own multiple breeds and just need some advice on how to go about this and or make it easier. Thank you all!

 

[ChicNmom]

I have an L shaped coop/run and I keep my new birds on one side and have a temporary outside area for them. They can all see each other and get close with the fence between them.

I always give the senior chickens their feed and treats first. Tonight i put the seniors away a little early and let the younger ones out to explore. I'll do that for about a week and then let them be in the yard together. They always stay in 2 separate groups for a while. Once they are OK in the yard I'll open the trap door between the sections and let the new ones decide when they want to sleep in the big girl coop. Ther will be a few fights and some picking but the process is very gradual and I haven't had any serious problems.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Here's how I do it but I've never had aggressive breeds. Hope this helps.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-a-pictorial-guide.79343/

 

[FrostRanger]

Use the see but no touch method @BigBlueHen53 linked to but go very very slowly. I'm normally for early integrations but in this case I would do see but no touch until they're similarly sized since your existing birds are particularly aggressive

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Use the see but no touch method @BigBlueHen53 linked to but go very very slowly. I'm normally for early integrations but in this case I would do see but no touch until they're similarly sized since your existing birds are particularly aggressive

Thanks, @FrostRanger. @Gaettberry, observe interactions between flocks through fencing. Feed scratch and treats to both flocks on opposite sides of fencing, and observe behavior. When all is calm, they should be ready. But have plenty of clutter and safe hiding places for the more docile flock.

 

[Gaettberry]

Thanks, @FrostRanger. @Gaettberry, observe interactions between flocks through fencing. Feed scratch and treats to both flocks on opposite sides of fencing, and observe behavior. When all is calm, they should be ready. But have plenty of clutter and safe hiding places for the more docile flock.

Thank you for your advice I will try again in about 2 weeks when I feel they’re around the right size. I have a smaller coop that sits right next to theirs where they can see each other even when sleeping.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Thank you for your advice I will try again in about 2 weeks when I feel they’re around the right size. I have a smaller coop that sits right next to theirs where they can see each other even when sleeping.

Good luck and please keep us posted!

 

[Gaettberry]

Thank you for your advice I will try again in about 2 weeks when I feel they’re around the right size. I have a smaller coop that sits right next to theirs where they can see each other even when sleeping.

 

[Gaettberry]

Well they’re living together now and no one has died, so all is good

 

[FrostRanger]

Good to hear! Thx for the update