Adding new birds?

[LuvMyChickies13]

If you have a roost your chickens should stop sleeping in the nesting boxes. Here's an example of a roost.

Thank you for this example! I put a large branch in the coop so I hope it helps!

 

[Veer67]

If it doesn't work then this page might help: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/818788/getting-pullets-to-sleep-on-the-roosting-bar/10

 

[Nicole01]

I use wire dog crates in the coop for the new birds. Just be careful, I just had a hen get her foot stuck in the crate n fall off the side hurting her leg. If u are using a crate put wood on the top. This will also keep ur old chickens from pooping on the new guys

Yes, a top is required for the kennels or any wiring. I used linoleum vs wood since its easier to clean.

 

[Nicole01]

Here are my roosts. They are 2x4's that I can easily remove.

 

[LuvMyChickies13]

Here are my roosts. They are 2x4's that I can easily remove.

Thanks for the example! And very nice birds!

 

[mrskrebs]

I'm trying intro 3 17 week old hens to my flock which are 3 one and half year old hens. The "big girls" are not nice to the "little girls". I have them in the sam yard with chicken wire separating them. I merge them at least once a day and they free range together sort of. Just don't want anyone pecked to death!

 

[RhapsodyOwens]

I heard that putting the young ones in at night is also good. Then they aren't seen as being introduced into the flock, more like "Hey, I hadn't noticed you before!" I didn't do that, and just combined mine, and one of my Delawares was pecked down to her skull. Lesson learned! Luckily she survived, after lots of TLC, and now she hangs out in our backyard

 

[Egg celent]

So today I came home to a hawk eatting one of my birds. Another dead in the corner and the third and last left in the coop. I feel like crap. But want to get her friends ASAP so I called the guy I got my 3 ee from and he is going to get me 2 10wk. Old RR on Tuesday. So hopefully jan will not be lonely for long...

Anyone have experience with bringing 2 10wk olds into a coop with a 24 wk old?

Sad day

 

[alb9202]

Today is day 2 of integrating my 2.5 month old pullets to my existing flock of 7 6 month old pullets, (two out of the 7 are cockerels) the babies stayed in a large wire crate in the coop for a solid month. I free range my big birds on a regular basis. I free ranged the big birds first thing in the morning, and allowed the babies to have access to the coop and the run all to themselves. Then mid day about noon I put down some scratch in the run and opened up the run for the official meet and greet. After no major casualties about a half hr later we fired up the lawn mower. I did this in hopes my more protective roo would become more protective of the little ones instead of targeting them. I also have hiding areas inside the coop for them. So far so good. Today the roo appeared to be guarding the coop where the babies were. The babies also hide under the other roosters legs for protection. Too cute!

 

[weasel killer]

Sounds like a good roo.I have one that when I introduce new ones he stops them from picking on the young ones .Sad to say a coon killed him last week protecting his hens.It is good to know therevare others out there like him.