Blending flocks

[K8Scott]

Hello! We need a little advice.
We have an established flock of hens/roosters (10 months old). We also have some hens who are almost 3 months old that we are trying to integrate with them. We had them in their own run and area of the coop separated by garden fencing so they could all see each other but not get to each other. We left them like this for 3 weeks until they stopped paying attention to each other. Last weekend we took the barrier down. Now the new ones hide all day so they don’t get chased by the old flock. I understand the need to reestablish pecking order, etc but that’s not even happening bc they cower and hide all day (poor babies).

What I am wondering is if they will eventually get more brave and start to integrate or should they just go live with the sheep?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Sounds like it is going perfectly. My definition of a successful integration is that none get hurt. Since you didn't mention injury sounds like you are there.

Until mine mature enough to force their way into the pecking order (about the time they start to lay) my chicks form a mini-flock and avoid the adults as much as they can. Until they mature the chicks are at the bottom of the pecking order. If they invade the personal space of a mature hen they might get pecked or worse. So they avoid them, during the day and at night too.

Once they mature they will form one flock. Until then give them as much room as you can, provide widely separated food and water stations so they don't have to compete for resources (it's typical for the adults to bully the chicks by keeping them away from food and water), and be patient. Let them work it out at their own pace.