Advice on Adding Chickens to Flock:

[meganjhett]

In a few weeks I am going to be getting three new d'Uccle hens and since I already have two (cochin bantam) hens and a (bantam) rooster, I thought I'd ask for some advice on how to get started adding them to the flock.

I have read that I should keep them separate from the "originals" but keep them close so they can see each other and get familiar with each other. But what should I keep them in? A chicken tractor?

I should add that my original three chickens live in a large coop with attached run and free range during most days.

If anyone has any advice for me that would be great! Thanks in advance!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have a way to quarantine your new girls away from the flock? Ideally, they should be kept away from one another for at least 2wks minimum so you can monitor them for any signs of illness and parasites. Sometimes that's not possible, but something to be considered.

Once you determine they arehealthy and show now symptoms of illness, then you would want to start your integration process. A see-but-don't-touch method works well in most situations. A chicken tractor I think would do a good job, especially since you free range most days. This would allow your existing flock to see the others but not have a rumble if so inclined. Once they have seen each other for a few days, then you can try letting everyone mingle and see how it goes. Sometimes things go smoothly, other times, there can be quite a bit of drama. Chickens are unpredictable that way.

Here's some good information on quarantine and bio-security.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/quarantine-of-backyard-chickens-why-and.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2016/08/biosecurity-for-backyard-chickens.html
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/t...often-underestimated-part-of-raising-chickens

 

[aart]

I should add that my original three chickens live in a large coop with attached run and free range during most days.

How large is 'large' in feet by feet?
Can you split the coop with a temporary wire wall for an introduction area?
Would be even better if run could also be split with separate pop door from intro area.

Here's my tips/notes on quarantine and integration.
Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
BYC 'quarantine' search

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[meganjhett]

Do you have a way to quarantine your new girls away from the flock? Ideally, they should be kept away from one another for at least 2wks minimum so you can monitor them for any signs of illness and parasites. Sometimes that's not possible, but something to be considered.

Once you determine they arehealthy and show now symptoms of illness, then you would want to start your integration process. A see-but-don't-touch method works well in most situations. A chicken tractor I think would do a good job, especially since you free range most days. This would allow your existing flock to see the others but not have a rumble if so inclined. Once they have seen each other for a few days, then you can try letting everyone mingle and see how it goes. Sometimes things go smoothly, other times, there can be quite a bit of drama. Chickens are unpredictable that way.

Here's some good information on quarantine and bio-security.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/quarantine-of-backyard-chickens-why-and.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2016/08/biosecurity-for-backyard-chickens.html
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/t...often-underestimated-part-of-raising-chickens

Where do you suggest keeping quarantined birds?

Do you have a way to quarantine your new girls away from the flock? Ideally, they should be kept away from one another for at least 2wks minimum so you can monitor them for any signs of illness and parasites. Sometimes that's not possible, but something to be considered.

Once you determine they arehealthy and show now symptoms of illness, then you would want to start your integration process. A see-but-don't-touch method works well in most situations. A chicken tractor I think would do a good job, especially since you free range most days. This would allow your existing flock to see the others but not have a rumble if so inclined. Once they have seen each other for a few days, then you can try letting everyone mingle and see how it goes. Sometimes things go smoothly, other times, there can be quite a bit of drama. Chickens are unpredictable that way.

Here's some good information on quarantine and bio-security.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/quarantine-of-backyard-chickens-why-and.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2016/08/biosecurity-for-backyard-chickens.html
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/t...often-underestimated-part-of-raising-chickens

Thank you good advice!

 

[meganjhett]

How large is 'large' in feet by feet?
Can you split the coop with a temporary wire wall for an introduction area?
Would be even better if run could also be split with separate pop door from intro area.

Here's my tips/notes on quarantine and integration.
Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
BYC 'quarantine' search

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

I don't remember the exact measurements anymore but I think it's something like 7 feet tall, about 3-4 feet deep and 6 feet wide. However, the way it is constructed I don't think it would be easy to section off like you're suggesting.

I was planning on keep the new bird in a chicken tractor like structure(with enclosed portion for them to sleep in and keep warm) beside the larger coop where the originals stay when they come out of quarantine.

Thank you for the links and tips on space! Good advice

 

[aart]

I think it's something like 7 feet tall, about 3-4 feet deep and 6 feet wide.

Is that just the coop, or the coop and run combined?
That's not what I would consider 'large'....tho it is bigger than many coops.

The tractor could work well, you'd have to place it 100-300 feet away from existing birds, and observe some other cross contamination issues(see the links I pasted), for 4 weeks if you want to do a true quarantine. Then move tractor next to existing coop to begin integration.

Most backyard keepers cannot conduct a true and full quarantine,
bringing in any birds other than hatchery chicks is an emotional and financial risk.

 

[dunnmom]

Please make sure that any separate enclosure you keep them in is pretty predator proof. Here's my cautionary tale.

I lost 3 barred rock pullets to a stray dog overnight one night during an integration period. I saw big dog paw-prints around the temporary run. The enclosure door was too small for a big dog to get more than a head or paw in, but I think it forced the door open and scared them out into the open. I felt like the most horrible chicken mom on the planet.

My husband built me a predator proofed mobile tiny coop to place next to and anchor up to the main run in case of illness, broodies, or new additions for when I'm ready to try again.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Where do you suggest keeping quarantined birds?

If you have a chicken tractor, I would use that, but place it as far away as possible from your existing flock. You would also want to keep your existing birds penned so they don't range over to the tractor.

Even if you have a small yard, it is best to keep them apart until you can monitor them for illness or parasites. Practice bio-security between the 2 areas - it's not always perfect, but can help reduce the spread of illness.

 

[meganjhett]

Is that just the coop, or the coop and run combined?
That's not what I would consider 'large'....tho it is bigger than many coops.

The tractor could work well, you'd have to place it 100-300 feet away from existing birds, and observe some other cross contamination issues(see the links I pasted), for 4 weeks if you want to do a true quarantine. Then move tractor next to existing coop to begin integration.

Most backyard keepers cannot conduct a true and full quarantine,
bringing in any birds other than hatchery chicks is an emotional and financial risk.

It is a coop and run combination, and since they at bantams it is large for them and thy seem to enjoy their coop. They at out most days anyways.

 

[meganjhett]

Please make sure that any separate enclosure you keep them in is pretty predator proof. Here's my cautionary tale.

I lost 3 barred rock pullets to a stray dog overnight one night during an integration period. I saw big dog paw-prints around the temporary run. The enclosure door was too small for a big dog to get more than a head or paw in, but I think it forced the door open and scared them out into the open. I felt like the most horrible chicken mom on the planet.

My husband built me a predator proofed mobile tiny coop to place next to and anchor up to the main run in case of illness, broodies, or new additions for when I'm ready to try again.

Yes that is our plan as well to have a nice sturdy "temporary" coop. And I am sorry to hear about your bad luck with that stray dog:/. That is always a possibility I suppose though we have an outside dog who keeps the place safe for them. Our dog, Willow, is actually a secret chicken whisperer I think lol.