Advice on integrating hen with 12 week old pullets

[pwhitaker413]

In need of advice. I had a “flock” of 2 mature hens and recently lost one. We have 3 - 12 week old pullets that I feel are ready for the coop and larger run. Anyone have any advice on how to best do this? I am fearful that it being one vs. three but really have no choice since my other hen died. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[CluckNDoodle]

In need of advice. I had a “flock” of 2 mature hens and recently lost one. We have 3 - 12 week old pullets that I feel are ready for the coop and larger run. Anyone have any advice on how to best do this? I am fearful that it being one vs. three but really have no choice since my other hen died. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

The "see but don't touch" method is the most common go to. Have they already been exposed to each other to where they can see each other? Depending on your flock it's not always necessary. I used to be really cautious about introductions but and after introducing newbies to my flock so many times I've found that free-ranging them together or at least offering plenty of space is the easiest method of introduction. There might be a little pecking to establish who is in charge but as long you watch them to make sure there isn't any clear bullying or blood drawn this seems to be the easiest way, at least for me. I do have a very docile flock and I don't tolerate bullies. I also make sure to provide more than one food and water station so the odd man out can still easily get food and water without being chased away.

 

[pwhitaker413]

Yes, the “little girls” have been in a fenced area beside the big run so they have been able to see each other for at least a month. I am hoping this will help. Thank you for your advice!

 

[aart]

How big is your coop and run?
Dimensions and pics would help here.


Here's some tips and links about.....

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

 

[Mrs. K]

Adding one new hen to 3 established is MUCH different than adding 3 younger birds to one established bird. The old bird in her own coop is going to be top dog, however, chasing and pecking takes a lot of energy. So having three birds will spread it out.

I would make sure the run has multiple levels, with roosts, hideouts, mini walls and platforms. I would let the old hen out into the yard, and put the young birds in the set up, keeping the old bird out for the day, and letting her back in at near dark.

If you have done the see but don't touch, I think you would be ready.

Mrs K

 

[pwhitaker413]

Adding one new hen to 3 established is MUCH different than adding 3 younger birds to one established bird. The old bird in her own coop is going to be top dog, however, chasing and pecking takes a lot of energy. So having three birds will spread it out.

I would make sure the run has multiple levels, with roosts, hideouts, mini walls and platforms. I would let the old hen out into the yard, and put the young birds in the set up, keeping the old bird out for the day, and letting her back in at near dark.

If you have done the see but don't touch, I think you would be ready.

Mrs K

Thank you all! So I did the see but not touch for part of the day yesterday although they have been in runs that were close together this put them a little closer. I also set up a hiding spot within the run as well that only the smaller chickens could access. I then let them all together in the afternoon and beyond some chasing and pecking it went well. The older hen is definitely dominant but seems to be not as aggressive towards them today. They slept separately last night but may try to get the new girls in the big coop tonight.
Thanks again!

 

[Mrs. K]

That was pretty much what I would expect. The older gal is going to get her pecks in, but that is pretty normal. Where people get into trouble - is adding a single bird, and EVERY bird in the flock needs to get their pecks in, with one bird taking them all.

However, currently that is the situation I am in, introducing a single bird to an established flock of 8.... however, there are lots of hide outs, the particular chicken I am adding is as fast as lightening, and I think will rise in the pecking once she starts to lay. She is skittish around them, but they are mostly ignoring.

So no matter how you do it, a great deal depends on Chickens.
What I would do tonight, is wait till everyone goes to roost, then go get the young girls, in a sound sleep, they will hardly make any commotion, either just set them in the coop you want or put them on the roost. And either leave the pop up door open, or get down their early the next morning.

Truthfully, I would expect it to go well, but they will remain a sub flock until the youngsters begin to lay. That and darn cold weather make for a single flock.

Mrs K