2 flocks, integrating chicks into one of them, in process.

[C Siena]

We have 2 flocks/2 coops and everyone free ranges daily. Flock 1 is 1 roo and 9 hens ages 11 months to 22 months. #2 is 1 roo and 8 hens, 11 months. Everyone gets along for the most part. Oldest roo (almost 2) does not want the other roo/cockerel too close sometimes.

We have 6 pullets, 6 weeks old today, that have been in #2 coop (8'x8'x9'), in a cage for 11 days. The chicks have been exploring the coop alone and then the run with clutter today (pics below). I want to integrate them but should I only allow a few of the 8, 11 month hens, into the run to see how it goes? We have 2 CQ and 1 EE who are calm and not at the top of the pecking order. Also a RIR who is sweet and non aggressive. 2 BR who I have not seen peck another. These are my options. There are 2 Blk Stars, but I think they would not be good for the first meeting. None of either coop seem very interested, except 2 ISAs, did a couple of pecks to the cage.

After the 6 pullets are integrated, I will be moving the 15, 2+ week old chicks into the large cage in the coop. Don't ask me how I did 2 young groups this close, not thinking.
Any advice is Greatly appreciated.

 

[Mrs. K]

You might do that, only part of the older flock.

A pallet laid flat up on a bricks is a great escape for chicks, it can be approached from all sides. That might help.

 

[C Siena]

You might do that, only part of the older flock.

A pallet laid flat up on a bricks is a great escape for chicks, it can be approached from all sides. That might help.

Thank you, we have a pallet.
I'll have to use treats to get the 4 hens back inside. Also have to wait until they finish laying about 2.
I'll have a water squirt bottle just in case.

 

[C Siena]

You might do that, only part of the older flock.

A pallet laid flat up on a bricks is a great escape for chicks, it can be approached from all sides. That might help.

Do you think it would be better to allow all 7 hens/1 roo? (11 months) to be with the pullets? If I did it all day, I would have to keep them in the coop/run.

 

[Mrs. K]

This is what I would do, take it or leave it. Your call. I would raise the fence line of the cage up off the ground about 5 inches, or to just below the level of the chicks back. I would put the pallet up on blocks about 3-4 feet away from that.

This allows the chicks to leave and return to the safety zone on their terms. Humans don't have to do anything. They can venture forth, and retreat if needed. Generally they are fast.

Works for me.

Mrs K

 

[C Siena]

Thank you. I thought that, as you wrote "you might do that...". As the day is almost spent, with the young ones alone in the run and tomorrow is first Friday and I will be away until 3 pm. I will try all together on Saturday.

 

[C Siena]

Well, I couldn't wait, I put 3 hens in with them. The 6 week old BR decided to fluff up and chest butt the CQ. She pecked twice, BR ran and all was calm. No chasing. Tomorrow afternoon, I will put 6 of the 8 hens in with the youngsters. One of the two Blk Stars is a stinker sometimes, so she will go in with everyone on Sat. Sunday we'll be at Church from 8:45-3 (we live an hour from Church) then I'll get as many as I can back into the coop/run. Mon & Tues will be all day again, if all goes well.
Thanks for answering. The pallet will be in the run as there is not enough room in the coop for the large cage & pallet.