Combining 2 groups of young birds

[greendesert]

Hello, I have 2 groups of chickens (14 in total): Group A is 6 birds 8-9 weeks old. Group B is 8 birds 6-7 weeks old. Both groups are in small temporary coops and I want to get them all in the big coop (which is currently empty) together in the next week. I had devised a plan to put a smaller coop with an enclosed run inside of the big run for the 8 younger birds (group B) and the put the 6 older birds (Group A) directly in the big coop on the same day so both groups could see each other but were separated, and I'd be managing them as two groups (separate food/water for the coop/run within the run) and hopefully would be able to integrate them in 10-14 days. Now I'm second guessing all of those logistics and wondering if I can just put both groups directly in the big coop together on the same day. They are all pretty young still (6-9 weeks old), so how risky is it to not do a slow introduction and just put them all in there? The big coop would be new to all of them so I'm thinking that makes it an even playing field, versus separating them and letting the 6 older birds get comfortable before adding the rest. I don't know enough about bird psychology and their territorial nature to know what makes more sense and I'm trying not to make more work for myself then is necessary. This is my first year with chickens so thank you for any input!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Hello, I have 2 groups of chickens (14 in total): Group A is 6 birds 8-9 weeks old. Group B is 8 birds 6-7 weeks old. Both groups are in small temporary coops and I want to get them all in the big coop (which is currently empty) together in the next week. I had devised a plan to put a smaller coop with an enclosed run inside of the big run for the 8 younger birds (group B) and the put the 6 older birds (Group A) directly in the big coop on the same day so both groups could see each other but were separated, and I'd be managing them as two groups (separate food/water for the coop/run within the run) and hopefully would be able to integrate them in 10-14 days. Now I'm second guessing all of those logistics and wondering if I can just put both groups directly in the big coop together on the same day. They are all pretty young still (6-9 weeks old), so how risky is it to not do a slow introduction and just put them all in there? The big coop would be new to all of them so I'm thinking that makes it an even playing field, versus separating them and letting the 6 older birds get comfortable before adding the rest. I don't know enough about bird psychology and their territorial nature to know what makes more sense and I'm trying not to make more work for myself then is necessary. This is my first year with chickens so thank you for any input!

Since the coop is new to both groups it would serve as a great distraction. If you put the older ones in the coop first then it becomes their home, and as such something they need to defend from new commers. IMO since there isn't much of an age gap, I would put them all in together. I'm sure others will chime in with some other suggestions and you can come to a decision that you feel comfortable with. Maybe add some pics of your setup as well. Best of luck with your littles

ETA-Make sure you have multiple feeders and waterers

 

[greendesert]

Since the coop is new to both groups it would serve as a great distraction. If you put the older ones in the coop first then it becomes their home, and as such something they need to defend from new commers. IMO since there isn't much of an age gap, I would put them all in together. I'm sure others will chime in with some other suggestions and you can come to a decision that you feel comfortable with. Maybe add some pics of your setup as well. Best of luck with your littles

ETA-Make sure you have multiple feeders and waterers

Thank you! I think I was over complicating it and maybe I can just get them all in there at once (that just occurred to me this morning). I'll put in their current feeders/waterers as well as the larger ones I got for the big run. I'll keep their current set ups intact in case it doesn't go well and I need to pull any birds out. thanks again!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Thank you! I think I was over complicating it and maybe I can just get them all in there at once (that just occurred to me this morning). I'll put in their current feeders/waterers as well as the larger ones I got for the big run. I'll keep their current set ups intact in case it doesn't go well and I need to pull any birds out. thanks again!

You're welcome. Keep us posted

 

[aldarita]

The plan seems right to me, I would add hiding and scape places besides the multiple feeders and waterers

 

[greendesert]

Update: the combining of the two groups went well. At first there was a lot of fighting but it was mainly from 3 roosters (barnyard mix) we were not planning on keeping so we isolated them to our small temporary coop. The remaining 11 have been pretty peaceful. It's interesting that they mostly stay with their original groups but I did see some mixing on day 2. There are likely 2-3 more roosters in there but they are younger and we are hoping to keep one or two. Our chicks were straight run from a local farm and include American Bresse, Black Copper Marans, and then some fun "barnyard mixes" for colored eggs.

 

[Mrs. K]

Good that was the adice I was going to give, put them all together.

A couple of hints - take what you want:

• You have a lot of vertical space, and you do see the birds like that because they are sitting on the back of the bench. I would add even some more roosts up above that.
• You will notice, that there is no place that a bird can get out of sight, all the birds can see all the birds 100% of the time, I would add a pallet leaned up against an outer wall, or a platform, a mini wall plywood or cardboard. A dish can be set behind it, for a hidden feed bowl
• I would measure this set up, your chickens are not full grown, often times, what is more than enough space for chicks, rapidly becomes not enough space for full grown chickens. Over crowding can make for some very ugly behavior.

Enjoy, this is a fun hobby and you have a nice set up.

Mrs K

 

[greendesert]

Good that was the adice I was going to give, put them all together.

A couple of hints - take what you want:

• You have a lot of vertical space, and you do see the birds like that because they are sitting on the back of the bench. I would add even some more roosts up above that.
• You will notice, that there is no place that a bird can get out of sight, all the birds can see all the birds 100% of the time, I would add a pallet leaned up against an outer wall, or a platform, a mini wall plywood or cardboard. A dish can be set behind it, for a hidden feed bowl
• I would measure this set up, your chickens are not full grown, often times, what is more than enough space for chicks, rapidly becomes not enough space for full grown chickens. Over crowding can make for some very ugly behavior.

Enjoy, this is a fun hobby and you have a nice set up.

Mrs K

thank you! I put the bench in there thinking it would make a good roost and I'm thinking about ways to build more ladders and roosts up higher for them as they grow. Under the coop is dug out for a dirt bath area and that seems to be a popular out of sight hiding spot. I like the pallet against the wall idea or other little nooks. I know it's a tight space so it will require some creativity. Thank you for the suggestions