Adding new pullets to my existing pullets

[ChickNgal96]

When can I let my new pullets in with my others? Right now I have them in a pen so they can see each other but not come in contact. When can I start letting them free range with my others?

 

[DobieLover]

How old is each group? Where did the second set come from? How long many in each group and how long have you had the second group?

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

When can I let my new pullets in with my others? Right now I have them in a pen so they can see each other but not come in contact. When can I start letting them free range with my others?

How long have you had them ?

 

[ChickNgal96]

How old is each group? Where did the second set come from? How long many in each group and how long have you had the second group?

My first set I raised from chicks and they are about 18 weeks. I have 1 barred rock cockerel 1 barred rock pullet 3 RIR pullets. My new set is around 20 weeks and they are buff orphingtons and I have only had them a few days.

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

My first set I raised from chicks and they are about 18 weeks. I have 1 barred rock cockerel 1 barred rock pullet 3 RIR pullets. My new set is around 20 weeks and they are buff orphingtons and I have only had them a few days.

So they’ve all been seeing eachother for a few days ? I’d introduce them to eachother now. They’re all around the same age so the pecking order shouldn’t be too harsh.

 

[ChickNgal96]

Yes I’ve had them in the same cage just separated through the fence. If I put them all together is it okay to let the new ones free range or will they run away?

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

Yes I’ve had them in the same cage just separated through the fence. If I put them all together is it okay to let the new ones free range or will they run away?

I highly doubt they’d “run away”
Ive personally never had that happen!

 

[aart]

I would keep the new birds confined for at least a week or two before allowing them to free range...they need to 'home' to their new place of residence.

Free ranging can be helpful for integration but still try these tips about.....
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.