Adding pullets to existing flock

[Prince Daniel]

Howdy,

I have a nice sized coop, built to house 15 to 20. I currently only have 3 in there, 2 year old hens who are out all day then back in to roost in evening (no run). I'd like to add 15 pullets to the flock but I don't know how to make this happen within the coop that my 3 hens have. I know you need to give them time to get to know each other, and that they'll establish the pecking order, but how do I allow my free rangers to continue whilst holding the 15 pullets in for the period of time they need to know the coop as their home? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[cavemanrich]

Actually not that hard to do. You get a cage or separation large enough for 3 hens. That is where you house your 3 original hens overnight for about one week. The rest of your pullets get the rest of the coop. You let out the whole flock to free-range outdoors. Yes, there will be some pecking, and chasing outside at first, but as long as no serious injuries occur, all should go well. This way your pullets learn where to return to at dusk. See how your original hens react with the newcomers each night at lock up. You may not have to imprison your 3 hens as long as you think.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

 

[Ridgerunner]

How old will your pullets be when you put them out there? That has a lot to do with how I'd approach it. Also do you have pictures of the inside of your coop? It's easier for me to come up with specific suggestions if I know what you are working with.

In general, house the pullets in the coop, how and how long depends on their age. That may be in a brooder big enough for 15 chicks or it may mean fencing off part of your coop. It may mean giving the pullets access to roosts or it may not.

I don't know the relationship of your pop door, nests, or roosts. I'd want to maintain the current 3 hens' access to those. Basically you are trying to find a way to maintain what you have with those three while confining the new ones for a while.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC! @Prince Daniel
We need some more info....RR's questions above.

Also.....
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