Bringing in new

[CrazyChickLady64]

How long is long enough? I have 11 hens and 3 pullets. The pullets are almost 5 and 4 months old. I just got them in September and have had them in a coop/run separate. Till 2 days ago when I put them in the big run with their own little coop but separated from the hens. How long should I wait to put them all together.

 

[nuthatched]

Usually atleast a week for them to see but not touch each other, possibly two

 

[Mrs. K]

You are way more patient than me. Whatever works with you life. I think that I would not put them together unless it is in a time period where I have 2 days to keep and eye on them.

I would put them together much sooner. However A LOT depends on you set up. I have a lot clutter, and hideouts and roosts with multiple feed stations, hidden so that a bird that is eating at one, can't be seen at a bird eating at another.

 

[townchicks]

My general rule of thumb is do look but don't touch, until the old birds are ignoring the new ones, and just doing their own thing. That can take a few days, or weeks. Also, as Mrs K said, lots of clutter in run, multiple feeding stations, etc. when you do introduce.