Introduction of Flocks

[HootWhite]

I currently am working on adding to what is left of my flock. I am left with two hen’s from my first flock (Buff O & Copper Maran) and both are roughly 1 year old at the end of 2023.

My new Wyandottes (11 of them) are 3 months old at the end of November. Currently, the two hen’s from Flock 1 live in their coop with a covered run, and let out to forage during the day.

Two weeks ago the Flock 2 Wyandottes were moved into their new coop and I allowed them out to forage at the end of the week. Only 5 of the 11 ventured out and two of them I believe to be cockerels.

The Flock 1 was kept in their run and Flock 2 was allowed to see and interact. The Copper Maran was the lead hen of Flock 1.

My question is with these two flocks be able to integrate? How will the Copper Maran manage with a rooster since she was raised 1 year without a rooster?

Any and all advice is welcome, my goal would be that eventually they all live on the newly built coop. I am keeping my 1st coop since it is still on good condition.

Below is a picture of Flock 1 Coop and Flock 2 Coop

 

[aart]

Can you move the coops/runs so they are right next to each other?
How big, in feet by feet, is coop/run 1?

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.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/