Adding to my flock

[funkyegg83]

Is it possible to add to sets of 2 new chickens to a flock at once or will it be to much stress for them all at once ???

 

[earlybird10842]

Is it possible to add to sets of 2 new chickens to a flock at once or will it be to much stress for them all at once ???

The most I've added is four, and they did fine with gradual introduction.
How big and how old is your established flock? What is the age of the birds you are introducing?

 

[funkyegg83]

The flock I'm trying to add to only has 4 in it 2 about 7months and 2 that are at POL but I have 2 others in a smaller coop that I want to add to them that are roughly 9 months old and 2 on the way that are just at POL themselves so not really a big age diffrence

 

[earlybird10842]

The flock I'm trying to add to only has 4 in it 2 about 7months and 2 that are at POL but I have 2 others in a smaller coop that I want to add to them that are roughly 9 months old and 2 on the way that are just at POL themselves so not really a big age diffrence

You should be fine adding them all in at once, then. You may want to do a more gradual introduction first, by having the new chickens in a dog crate in the coop or run for a day or two, or you could just set them in.

 

[speckledhen]

Don't skip quarantine! Never just throw in new chickens with your current flock without at least a month long quarantine period away from your birds or you risk bringing in disease.

When you finally do put them in, there will be fighting but they'll usually work it out without much bloodshed.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/12751/urgent-reminder-please-quarantine-newly-acquired-birds

 

[funkyegg83]

I already own 2 of the hens I want to add I've had them in a separate coop For a few months I'm just looking to put all in to one coop as I'm running out of space in my garden lol

 

[speckledhen]

I already own 2 of the hens I want to add I've had them in a separate coop For a few months I'm just looking to put all in to one coop as I'm running out of space in my garden lol

Ah, okay, I see. You could let them range together where there is "running room" to get away from each other, if you're able to let them out of their pens. Then, they can go in together and some of the pecking order would have been worked out while on range. It's going to be a struggle, but hopefully, not too bad.

 

[funkyegg83]

Ok thanks I'll give it a go tomorrow as it's almost 2am here so fingers crossed

 

[brittfish]

Just brought home a new roo yesterday. He is in a coop alone on the opposite side of the house. Cant even see our girls. Plan on quarantining for 4-6 weeks. Honestly I haven't read through all of the posts but any quick tips on what to look for and how to make the transition easier for him? He was free range before and there is just too many dangerous wildlife where I live to do that but in trade for that we have a plenty big run and plan on making it bigger with additions and no competition for the 11 ladies. He was one of 7 roosters! He looks healthy couldn't see any signs of mites or lice but I'm new to this. He is a day younger than our flock.