Adding new pullets to the coop

[Bpford]

I have 2 new pullets adding to a current 4 pullet flock. I have been through the introduction process with a coop and run within a coop and run. The new girls hang out with the older ladies (1mo difference in age) in the run and they seem to do well (some chasing but no pecking), but we have been keeping the younger girl in their original small coop. When can I start training them to go into the main coop? There is plenty of space in both coop and run, but I don’t want the older ladies to attack the new girls in their coop.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Since they have integrated in the pen, I would chance putting them in the main coop. Monitor in case there are problems.

 

[Yardfulla poopers]

How old are they? My SIL always puts new pullets in the coop at six weeks. I wait until ten weeks because I have an outdoor cat and a rooster. Mine are free-range, thus the concern with the cat. Since you have a run and they are already used to each other, I agree with sourland.

 

[muddy75]

 

[Bpford]

Thank you everyone! They will be 10 weeks this Friday. They went into their small coop tonight on their own but we want to remove that coop as it takes up space and you all have given me some reassurance that they will be ok. We don’t have a lot of visibility in the main coop without disturbing the others but may put up a camera just in case.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. If you can, start moving them from the little coop to the big one after dark. You may have to do this for several nights before they begin going in on their own.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Oftentimes if you wait long enough, they will integrate themselves.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hi, and welcome to BYC! We're glad you joined us!