In 2020 when we built a new smaller coop, it was going to be for the half-bantams we were hatching, the mix I call Sprights. I wanted them to have their own separate space. There were 5 girls we kept, and they were happy in the little coop (4’X4’). But then we opened the portal between their run and the main run, and they merged with the older flock. I was surprised that they eventually ALL moved into the main coop. I don’t remember how long it took.
Anyway, our new little blue bantams are not being given that option, they have to stay put!
So, @jthornton , I am guessing yours will want to join the others, if they are allowed.
Both are actually inside the big chicken yard... chicken crack does help but they were both already in there. I can open and close gates to control where they are allowed to go.
Plan 9 Phase 3 I've shut them out of their run and put food and water in their new area. Thankfully I've not seen any aggression from anyone... this may go smoother than I thought.
I opened all the gates and after about 30 minutes Sweet Pea (the older RIR) and Spaetzle had a hen fight last night so I had to separate them. I'm not concerned because Sweet Pea and Blondie had the same fight but only once. Weather is not good today for another trial.
This evening Spaetzle came out into the big yard and was checking stuff out, the rest of the hens just kept their distance. Victoria almost came out a couple of times. It finally got to cold to stand out there and watch so I escorted Spaetzle back under the canopy.