Combining flocks

[Buckeyed Beauties]

A little bit of a different integration situation. I am not bringing new birds into my flock but rather am taking my 4 girls from their 8 X 16, back yard lean-to home to an almost quarter acre, fenced but not secured in any way farm yard. There is a secure coop inside the fenced area for them to roost at night but during the day they will pretty much be the equivalent of free-range. We are buying the property from a farmer and the chickens and goats come with it! Not only am I bringing 4 new-comers into their environment, but they are also losing their familiar care-taker and I will be as much a stranger to them as my 4 hens. I'm pretty sure this is going to be stressful for everyone as I do not know the temperament of the current flock (although Mr Farmer says they are a good bunch. Not sure if he is talking about them or the number of eggs they lay), the current flock will have new-comers in their yard, and my girls will be outnumbered 3 to 1 and in a new, smaller than what they are used to space until they can join everyone else in the yard. I plan to set up dog yard fencing inside of the chicken yard with the little original coop inside of it for my girls. The flock we are joining is over a dozen strong with a roo and they are used to being treated like chickens, not pets. Hopefully I can win their hearts over. Wish us luck!

 

[Mrs. K]

After you set up how you have planned for a couple of weeks, the day you decide this is it. Let the original birds out, and put your birds into the coop, and lock them in there for most of the day.

This lets them explore the set up without being chased and harassed. They get used to it for a bit. Then just before dark, when the original groups shows up ready for roosting, open up the doors.

If they are real cranky, I do think this is a case where the roost separators might be a good idea.

It is a trick to introduce few to more of established birds.

Good luck
mk

 

[Buckeyed Beauties]

After you set up how you have planned for a couple of weeks, the day you decide this is it. Let the original birds out, and put your birds into the coop, and lock them in there for most of the day.

This lets them explore the set up without being chased and harassed. They get used to it for a bit. Then just before dark, when the original groups shows up ready for roosting, open up the doors.

If they are real cranky, I do think this is a case where the roost separators might be a good idea.

It is a trick to introduce few to more of established birds.

Good luck
mk

Letting my girls into the coop during the day of integration sounds like a great idea! I would have not thought of that. Thank you!

 

[aart]

Let us know how that works out!
Congrats on your new place!

 

[Buckeyed Beauties]

Let us know how that works out!
Congrats on your new place!

Thanks! Closing date is June 11th