Adding new chickens

[Newfarmer36]

With me having 2 chickens being added to my flock today, do I need to let the others out of the coop and put the new ones in for a while until they get used to it without the others? Or should I leave all them in there so they can get to know one another? Also, my chickens(bc of the previous owners) are used to free ranging. These are not. So how does that work? The chickens have managed to find a way out of their run so they're getting out that way and some by jumping out. Clearly, im gonna have to fix that but until i can get to the tractor supply place, which will be tomorrow evening, I don't want the chickens that I have to get agitated bc theyre in the coop for a long time and i dont want the new chickens to run off if they're out of the coop like the others.

 

[Liz Birdlover]

I quarantined 1st, better to be safe than sorry.

Check this out, great info:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

 

[SueT]

You might want to use a "see no touch" setup for a few weeks until they get used to each other.

 

[Newfarmer36]

I do believe ive made a mistake! I didn't do my research before buying a couple of new ones.( I was just so excited to be able to go buy my very own chickens) I thought that you just put them with your flock and all would be good.. I don't have an extra coop to put the new ones. I don't have anyone to help me build an extra run. I just figured out that i don't have the tools to shove the posts in the ground. I'm at a loss here and I don't know what to do. And I'm supposed to go pick them up after 12 this morning. Please please please help!!!

 

[SueT]

I do believe ive made a mistake! I didn't do my research before buying a couple of new ones.( I was just so excited to be able to go buy my very own chickens) I thought that you just put them with your flock and all would be good.. I don't have an extra coop to put the new ones. I don't have anyone to help me build an extra run. I just figured out that i don't have the tools to shove the posts in the ground. I'm at a loss here and I don't know what to do. And I'm supposed to go pick them up after 12 this morning. Please please please help!!!

Can you temporarily divide your run? I do it w cheap plastic mesh.
And btw, some people do just put them together and report it worked out....

 

[Newfarmer36]

Can you temporarily divide your run? I do it w cheap plastic mesh.
And btw, some people do just put them together and report it worked out....

Thank you. My chickens have managed to find a way out of the run.. I do, however, have a good sized wire dog crate that I can put them. I have to go to the tractor supply place to get a chicken feeder and other things to fix the run so I can get something to block them from each other while I'm there. I'l need to go today instead of tomorrow.

 

[Jajika]

Sounds like things worked out. A couple of years ago I needed to get some sort of "separation" cage for new or sick girls. I put an add on our local neighborhood forum, "Nextdoor." If you have it, I strongly recommend joining. Anyway, a neighbor posted that she had a large heavy gage cage and if I could pick it up, it was mine. It's perfect. It could hold four hens if necessary, so it is fine for one. It is like what someone mentioned, a "see me but don't touch me" cage. at night I put a cover over it to keep it warm and give some privacy. It is a lot easier than trying to have two coops.

 

[Newfarmer36]

Sounds like things worked out. A couple of years ago I needed to get some sort of "separation" cage for new or sick girls. I put an add on our local neighborhood forum, "Nextdoor." If you have it, I strongly recommend joining. Anyway, a neighbor posted that she had a large heavy gage cage and if I could pick it up, it was mine. It's perfect. It could hold four hens if necessary, so it is fine for one. It is like what someone mentioned, a "see me but don't touch me" cage. at night I put a cover over it to keep it warm and give some privacy. It is a lot easier than trying to have two coops.

I have a big wire dog cage and they're in that inside the coop with the others. They have food and water and a little perch. The rooster is taking care of his girl. He's letting her cuddle up underneath him. It's so sweet looking. The rooster I already have is a jerk. He doesn't seem to take of his ladies. I'm probably gonna end up giving him away. Will the Wyandotte mate with my other hens? They're Rhode island reds I think.