Introducing new chickens to the flock

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Terry52hunting

Terry52hunting

In the Brooder
10 Years
May 9, 2009
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I have two new cochins that I have had quaranteed for two weeks. I would like now to introduce them to the main flock. How do I keep the others from attacking and pecking them. The flock consists of RI reds, orpingtons, barred rocks, and americanas. All about 6 mo. old
 
You should keep them seperate for at least a month if not longer. Even then there are illnesses that won't be apparent until your othere birds start getting ill.
 
I currently have 5 that are about 2 months old and I am preparing to add several that are one month old and a couple that are 3 months old to the original flock of 2-month-olds.

Here is what I was told; hopefully keep everyone new and old where they can see each other, but not have access to each other for at least a few days then add them together at night when they are tired and cuddly and less likely to fight. Keep a close eye on them over the following few days. Some fighting and establishing of hierarchy is normal, but if it gets excessive, you may have to separate and try again in a few days, but in the meantime, try to keep them where they can see each other.

Now, bear in mind I haven't actually done this yet, so if anyone has any advice to share, I would be interested to hear it too.
 
Quote:
Wow, that long? I am going to pick up my BLRWs tomorrow. I didn't realize you had to keep them apart for a whole month.

What are your feelings on using Ocytetracycaline (sp?) before and/or after combining chickens ?
 
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Quote:
Wow, that long? I am going to pick up my BLRWs tomorrow. I didn't realize you had to keep them apart for a whole month.

What are your feelings on using Ocytetracycaline (sp?) before and/or after combining chickens ?

I don't think giving meds when you don't have something specific to treat for does more harm than good. Meds don't do any good for a lot illnesses anyway other than to mask the symptoms.
 
I agree that you can try putting them in the coop at night. I Quarantine the new birds for at least a month before I put the birds together. I put them next to each other so they can see each other and get used to each other being there. There will be a period of establishing the pecking order once the new birds are put in with the existing flock. You can try and put them together and see how it goes but be prepared to separate them if you need to. Not all integrations are the same. Each situation is different. Some breeds are more docile than others. All birds are different and have their own personalities. I have had very docile birds and some that were very aggressive. What works for someone else may or may not necessarily work for you.
 

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