13 hens and a rooster introduction (sort of)

[SoniaBashore]

I have 14 chickens. They are in the same pretty large run (23 x 10) with a divider between the two flocks who are about 3 weeks apart (all hatched in May). They have had about a month to get to know one another through the divider and there have been no issues after the first 2 days (again, through the divider). The older chickens are 6 pullets and a cockerel, the younger ones are 7 pullets. Since they've had this much time to get to know one another, is it safe to let them be together? Is the Roo going to have a problem with the younger ones or will he take them in as his girls? If it matters, the older ones are Cuckoo Marans and the younger ones are Wyandottes. They're not quite the same size but almost the same age. I'd like to get them all in the same area. Any help is appreciated!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I always start with supervised mingling. I stand and watch and see how things go. Sometimes I feel fine leaving everyone together, and sometimes I divide them back up and try the next day, and the next until I feel comfortable walking away for a while. I do keep an eye on things for the next few weeks for sign of aggression or pecking. Make sure there are places for birds to escape, and so no one can get cornered.

 

[aart]

I have 14 chickens. They are in the same pretty large run (23 x 10) with a divider between the two flocks who are about 3 weeks apart (all hatched in May).

That's a nice sized run, how big is the coop?
Time will tell if the male is too aggressive, if he isn't already.


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

 

[aart]

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @SoniaBashore
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