Combining 2 "flocks"

[missnu01]

Let them scrap it out. Additionally, move things around in coop so no body has home court advantage. Only be concerned if some gets knocked down and pecked even when on ground.


Many problems realized because we over manage when flocks combined. If you had game chickens in mix I would be more concerned.

I introduced 2 adult roosters, one is between 5-7 and the other is 8 months, and the big rooster just showed the little guy what was what, there was no fighting no issues at all...The little rooster acknowledged that he is the runner up and everyone is happy.

 

[PoultryGirly]

This morning, everything seems fine!!!! I'm so relieved! One hen of the other flock was with the coop with her unusual flock, so I think they're fine!

 

[missnu01]

Well they should be fine if they got on alright today. So crisis averted.

 

[PoultryGirly]

So the flock with the 2 hens and the rooster were outside in the run this evening and the the other flock of girls were in the coop. They are staying separate, but not fighting (that I've seen) when they are actually together. We put the 3 in the run inside the coop tonight with the door open. Should I close the door tomorrow, or would that cause problems?

 

[missnu01]

I think they will be fine all together. They seem to be doing alright, so just start treating them as one flock and soon they will be. My chickens tend to ignore newcomers for a rather long time...Then eventually everyone will be a singular flock, but right at first it is like the coop and such is divided.

 

[Melabella]

Another small suggestion,

Make sure you have some blu kote

around to cover any small peck wounds as you mentioned before. Cover any spots after the bleeding stops to deter any further pecking at the site. We all know what happens when their is blood in the coop and run! When free ranging, birds can stay clear of each other, but when confined to smaller areas, the bullying can get quite out of control.. Establishing normal pecking order issues are to be expected, but keen an eye on them, and if a few days, it'll be as if it never happened!

Good Luck!
MB

 

[PoultryGirly]

Okay, so the cuts are already okay and scabbed, so I think that part is fine. I may pick some Blue Kote up just in case. The flock of 3 with the rooster, were again, outside tonight, so we penned them all up in the coop together with the coop door shut. I really hope everything goes well tonight. We are going to check on them one more time tonight, so I guess I'll update again, then. So does any one have any advice on this? Thanks!

 

[PoultryGirly]

We just went to check on them and one flock was up on the roost and the other flock was all cuddled up on the floor. I'll let them out in the morning if the weather is okay.

 

[PoultryGirly]

So, they seem to be doing fine, but I haven't yet checked on them this morning. Today is a really windy day with a few snow flurries here and there. Should I leave both flocks in the coop today, or open the coop door. By the way, the flock with the rooster won't go into the coop willingly and the other flock still won't venture out in the run. Last night chickens from both of the different flocks were eating with each other in the coop after I put the other flock in the coop.

 

[PoultryGirly]

I cooped them all up today because of the weather and they were fine. Just now, I opened the coop door to let them out because the weather is better. 2 hens hopped right out again, but the rooster stayed in again! He'll probably go back out, though.