I wish there were a sticky on this subject, because I think a lot of newcomers to the world of chickens ask this very question.
I've posted this question in a couple of older forum threads in an attempt to resurrect it, but no dice. So, here goes....Posting new thread!
I recently brought home two Black Ameraucanas. They are a couple of months younger than the small flock I have now, which consists of 4 RIRs, One is VERY BROODY but does not seem to mind the newbies. 3 Barred Rocks, 1 Hen and 2 Roos. They were straight run. WON'T do THAT again!
Anyway, I've read in some of the older posts there seems to be a greater success rate of night time introductions. I have a farm, so my chickens are free range during the day on several acres and then cooped up at night in an electrified area.
What I've been doing this past week is taking the Ameracaunas out to the coop area while the others are out foraging. The other day, the flock came home "early" and of course when I went to open the door to go in and get the other birds, the flock door dashed. Squealed and Squawked and growled and the the chase was on. On of my roosters caught one on the back of the neck, but not like a mating grab. She got away quickly and I was able to get them out fairly quick after that.
I've been keeping them in a cozy box lined with grass clippings next to me at night because I wanted them to get used to their names and the sound of my voice so they will come to me when I call them.
My questions is this....Can I still set them on the roost at night with the other guys and gals since they've all actually seen each other? Or will that create a war in the morning before I let them out? I usually lock them up right at dark and let them out around 6:45am - 7:00am.
Any thoughts and guidance would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Tracy
I've posted this question in a couple of older forum threads in an attempt to resurrect it, but no dice. So, here goes....Posting new thread!
I recently brought home two Black Ameraucanas. They are a couple of months younger than the small flock I have now, which consists of 4 RIRs, One is VERY BROODY but does not seem to mind the newbies. 3 Barred Rocks, 1 Hen and 2 Roos. They were straight run. WON'T do THAT again!
Anyway, I've read in some of the older posts there seems to be a greater success rate of night time introductions. I have a farm, so my chickens are free range during the day on several acres and then cooped up at night in an electrified area.
What I've been doing this past week is taking the Ameracaunas out to the coop area while the others are out foraging. The other day, the flock came home "early" and of course when I went to open the door to go in and get the other birds, the flock door dashed. Squealed and Squawked and growled and the the chase was on. On of my roosters caught one on the back of the neck, but not like a mating grab. She got away quickly and I was able to get them out fairly quick after that.
I've been keeping them in a cozy box lined with grass clippings next to me at night because I wanted them to get used to their names and the sound of my voice so they will come to me when I call them.
My questions is this....Can I still set them on the roost at night with the other guys and gals since they've all actually seen each other? Or will that create a war in the morning before I let them out? I usually lock them up right at dark and let them out around 6:45am - 7:00am.
Any thoughts and guidance would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Tracy