adding 1 grown hen into a flock of pullets...

[brit foster]

Hey everyone!

I have a flock of pullets that are about 10 weeks old, 11 girls total. we have a really large coop with lots of roost space and a massive run with lots of boulders and trees.
Our friend's chickens were all murdered by a bear (all but one) and I offered to take on her 1 hen who is at least 2/3 years old. Does anyone have experience integrating an old hen into a young flock? All the info out there seems to be the flip flop (for obvious reasons).

Any advice for me? I spend a large part of the day in the yard so I will definitely be able to catch if there is a problem and maybe try the look don't touch method?

Thank y'all for the help!

 

[sourland]

In reality the hen should be quarantined before adding her to the flock - sometimes easier said than done, and she is coming from a stable flock not an auction. It is doubtful that the younger birds will pick on her, and there are too many of them for her to do any damage. It should go far more smoothly than the converse - integrating a pullet into an old bird flock. Good luck, and monitor closely.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree on all points.^^

 

[brit foster]

Thanks folks, that's what I thought but I needed some confirmation! We get her tomorrow morning and I'll be in the yard all day, wish me luck

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Yeah, I agree. Standard integration techniques should suffice. See but not touch for a few days to a few weeks (however long you feel is wise) then pop her on the roost bar at night with the youngsters.

 

[aart]

Could go well, or not.
Have a pen or crate ready to separate if all heck breaks loose.

we have a really large coop with lots of roost space and a massive run with lots of boulders and trees.

Just how big is 'really large' and 'massive' .....in feet by feet?

Here some tips... may still apply to and help your situation.

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.

 

[brit foster]

Update- day 2 and all is well so far... the first hour or so was rough- young birds who seemed toward the top of the pecking order tried to assert some dominance (it was pretty funny to watch since the grown hen is about twice the size of the pullets) and got their butts handed to them (egos more hurt i think).
They learned really quickly to give her space and although she'll nip at someone here and there, everyone is getting along well enough. I have her in a small dog crate in the coop at night so she doesn't punk the babies, and during the day they're out in the massive run (Ive never measured it but it's about 100ftx20ft) and have plenty of space to get away.
Thanks everyone!

 

[sourland]

Glad that things are going smoothly.