Add new hens to new flock

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ChickenJay203

ChickenJay203

In the Brooder
Sep 29, 2015
59
4
33
Connecticut
Hello all,

Newbie here. I have learned alot from the forum so far and I thank you all.

I have read alot about introducing new members to an existing flock, but could not find anything on what I am looking to do.

I started my flock with 4 hens. One Rhode Island red, one ameraucana, and two black sex links. They are all about a year old or so. These four hens have been in the coupe for two days now. I decided I want two additional hens from the same breeder to add to the flock. So the new birds would already know the other bird being introduced. Do I still need to separate the new birds from the others? Has the pecking order already been established in the two days?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide!
 
No need to quarantine if they are all from the same flock. There will probably be some scuffling, but it should be minimal.
 
Hi Jay!
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So funny that "chicken math" has already struck!
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I think that at some point, a lot of us were going to have only four! Ditto Dat what old hen and Sourland said. I'll add a suggestion or 2. To reduce stress and conflict, I'd pen up or lock out your 4 from the coop/run for a few hours or so to let the new additions get their bearings, find the food/water, have a look around before meeting the current residents. I'd have extra feeders and waters to choose from for a bit. When you integrate, I find it helpful to spread tasty treats (meal worms, freeze dried is fine, rolled oats, alfalfa leaves, thawed frozen colorful veggies) to take their minds off the who's who and focus on their tummies. Best of luck to you! We really like pictures...
 
Thanks for the additional information Mutt! I also read another post that it may be a better idea to introduce the new hens when the others go to roost. Is this a good idea? I dont have a run yet, since I am keeping them "cooped up" for two weeks before letting them roam. Building the run this weekend if the rain holds off. I will for sure add some treats to the coop!

I included some pics of the girls along with the coop (before I finished the top). You can tell I am no carpenter!!!
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Hope to have more pics to share soon!

Thanks!!!

 
Thanks! Not bad for someone that has little to no wood working experience!

I actually added a droplight in the coop also for a quick light solution. Hens were not getting the 14 hours of light through the window.

Going to get an additional 2 hens in a few hours. The breeder wants me to get a rooster also but not sure I need/want one at this point.
 

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