Adding 4 guineas to flock of 6

[risarae23]

I am trying to integrate 4 guineas into my remaining flock (orig 9, down to 6) with one unique caveat - these 4 new birds are actually the siblings of my flock. They were all born together last summer and lived in the same coop for the first 2 months of their lives. My question is, because of this should it be easier / a shorter time period of separation to integrate them? Today is day 2, I have a wire wall separating them from the rest inside the coop but already one hen has been staying inside with them most of the day and either sitting next to the enclosure or walking around. When will it be ok to let them out of the enclosure? I am also pretty sure that the new 4 are all hens because they have laid 8 eggs between yesterday and today. My current flock is 3 females / 3 males. Any advice appreciated!

 

[R2elk]

I am trying to integrate 4 guineas into my remaining flock (orig 9, down to 6) with one unique caveat - these 4 new birds are actually the siblings of my flock. They were all born together last summer and lived in the same coop for the first 2 months of their lives. My question is, because of this should it be easier / a shorter time period of separation to integrate them? Today is day 2, I have a wire wall separating them from the rest inside the coop but already one hen has been staying inside with them most of the day and either sitting next to the enclosure or walking around. When will it be ok to let them out of the enclosure? I am also pretty sure that the new 4 are all hens because they have laid 8 eggs between yesterday and today. My current flock is 3 females / 3 males. Any advice appreciated!

You can try letting one out and see what happens. They may well be remembering each other which should make for a smoother transition.

Good luck.