Introducing new birds to flock...?

Date sort Score sort
No nuggets here

No nuggets here

In the Brooder
6 Years
May 14, 2013
15
0
24
Wisconsin
I've got 3RIR, 2PR (raised since chicks together, 1yr now) and recently bought 2BO (5mo now, faces turing red and voice is changing on one?)........HOW DO I INTRODUCE THEM? I have been slowly acquainting them in separate runs close to one another and have observed aggressive behavior from my 1yr olds toward the younglings....maybe younglings possibly be males? How does this process work and what is the best way to go about it? Thanks!
 
I added several batches of chicks to my existing flock the last two years, and I've never had any trouble. When I'm almost ready to integrate the two groups, I put the young ones into a pen along the fence of my existing flock's yard. Several times a day I sprinkle scratch along either side of the fence so they get very used to eating side by side, but the little ones are safe. I keep up this arrangement for a full week. When the littles are ready to go into the big coop, I wait until the older flock has gone to roost. Then at dusk or so I hand carry the young ones and place them on the perch in the big coop. Usually I have to hand-carry them for two or three days until they figure it out. Following these steps, I have had no trouble with the big hens harassing the young ones. You can also arrange a safety zone for the little ones that the older flock can't get into, so they can run for safety if need be.

You may see a very minimal amount of chasing or minor pecking at the young ones for the first few days. This is normal and the flock needs to work it out. As long as the young ones are not getting hurt it will all work out. Make sure you have enough feeder space. also.
 

Similar threads

A
Seeking Advice: Young Rooster in Flock with Older Rooster
2
Replies
12
Views
478
Anon112
A
M
New chickens introduced into my flock are pecking at each other and now pecking at themselves
Replies
3
Views
235
Mrs. K
Mrs. K
C
    • Sad
Trying to introduce new birds into the flock HELP!
Replies
5
Views
757
Pollmadoll
Pollmadoll
L
    • Like
Introduction Opinions Please!
Replies
4
Views
322
Lbubbs21
L
R
Introducing new chicks to older flock
Replies
6
Views
341
rosemarythyme
rosemarythyme

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom