Adding two hens to an existing group of three - all active layers

[Hens1952]

Hello! David, here - a.k.a. Hens1952. First timer - my wife and I rented three Red Comets and a coop and now own the ladies and built a coop from a kit. Love the cluck sisters! Will be getting two more - any tips on acclimating them to be happy together?

 

[BuffOrpington88]

Hi David,

I would recommend using the "see but don't touch" method of integration. Here is an article about that. It would also be a good idea to quarantine the newcomers-- here is an article on that. Really, the most important things are to make sure the new birds are healthy and have lots of space in the coop and run.

Best of luck and thanks for joining us!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Hens1952, and ! Great to have you aboard. Great advice already from BuffOrp88 so I'll just say best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[drumstick diva]

coop kits generally do not comfortably accommodate the number of birds they advertise. Adding more will probably make if very crowded. Rule of thumb is 4-5 sq. feet per bird inside the coop excluding nest boxes and roosts. In the outdoor run they should have 10 sq. feet per bird. Chickens DO NOT like being crowded and can resort to unpleasant behaviors.

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and welcome to Backyard Chickens! You've gotten great advice and links, so I'll just say hi!

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

 

[N F C]

Thanks for joining us!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!!

Definitely keeping them separated by wire or fencing of some sort but within the flock at all times for a couple to several weeks will help with integration. Always watch for aggression that first week upon mixing. I always add more food and water stations when mixing as the original flock can have a tendency of guarding these areas starving the new birds out. More stations will help with this...they can't guard them all.

Good luck and welcome to our flock!

 

[RodNTN]

Hi and

Its great to have you David! Enjoy BYC and best of luck with those hens!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!