I added two adult hens to my flock of 9 hens and a rooster yesterday using an “afternoon” method where I kicked the flock out of the coop mid day, added the new girls and at bedtime opened it up and let them all settle together.
But I normally let my hens free range during the day. They are currently in a coop and run that is 20x20. So plenty of room to run. I want to set them free to free range but concerned I’ll have to chase the new girls at bedtime. So in the past when adding new chickens I have cooped them for 2 or so days so they know where “home” is but I hate keeping them cooped. Anyone have any advice? The new girls are both over 1 yr old and have never been free range. They seem smart but I guess I won’t know how they will react until I try but wanted some experts to weigh in. Thanks!
But I normally let my hens free range during the day. They are currently in a coop and run that is 20x20. So plenty of room to run. I want to set them free to free range but concerned I’ll have to chase the new girls at bedtime. So in the past when adding new chickens I have cooped them for 2 or so days so they know where “home” is but I hate keeping them cooped. Anyone have any advice? The new girls are both over 1 yr old and have never been free range. They seem smart but I guess I won’t know how they will react until I try but wanted some experts to weigh in. Thanks!
