Combining two groups of chickens - I can't take the stress!!!

[PaisyQ]

Well, they are acting like one happy family now. You wouldn't know that on saturday they were just getting acquainted. I'm sort of surprised it's all settled down so quickly, and it gives me hope for the next group on introductions I make.

We have one change that I wasn't expecting. Middie started flying up onto me back when Cooper was still 'obsessed' with her and Lonely. I think she either looked at me as her protector, or as just a safe perch out of his reach. This was new behaviour, something she has never done before. I figured now that she doesn't have to get away from him, it would stop, but she seems to like it. If I crouch down near them, it's an instant invitation to get a bird on my back. And even twice when I was standing up, and Cooper was no where in sight, she decided to fly up to perch on my shoulder. It's sort of sweet, but I'm not sure I want to encourage it. She's got sharp claws!

 

[5 Acre Rooster]

Pecking order has been established. That and chickens generally get tired of a game within a few days, like a kid with a new toy at Christmas.

 

[fiefs20]

When you go to make the new introductions I've found it helpful after you let them see each other for a while to introduce them at night time with a lot of birds. Of course you need to rise early that day to make sure things are going well come morning time. I've had a lot of success that way. They seem to get things sorted out faster when I introduce new flock members at night

 

[ZetaPet]

Hot dogs. they will be too busy packing at them to even notice they have been new members added to the crew. chickens love hot dogs

 

[DimondaleBergs]

When you go to make the new introductions I've found it helpful after you let them see each other for a while to introduce them at night time with a lot of birds. Of course you need to rise early that day to make sure things are going well come morning time. I've had a lot of success that way. They seem to get things sorted out faster when I introduce new flock members at night

Fiefs20,
How do you introduce them? I have 6-12 week olds that have been in the big coop with the other hens (but in a separate space) where they can see each other, for two weeks now. I think the time has come to join the two groups, but when I've let the younger ones out, a couple of the older hens constantly charge them. I understand that they will get pecked from time to time, and I'm good with that, but these two hens that I'm talking about are relentless. Any thoughts??

 

[kschicks2013]

I started the process and each day gets better. The chicks sleep in their own enclosure but are free ranging with the hens until they get scared and run back into their enclosure. The hens don't go into the enclosure. Once mine are as big as the hens or closer to it I'll let them stay in the coop with the other hens.

 

[mustangmomma]

At what age do you start incorporating flocks? I have 2 that were hatched together a Rhode Island red roo and a ameracauna pullet. They free range and they are roughly 3 months old maybe 4. I also have 2 cornish rocks that are 5 weeks a cockerel and a pullet. I also have 5 chicks that were hatched at my son's school that include a barred rock cockerel. They are 3 weeks old. The 7 chicks have been together for 3 weeks and do great. I have them out in a run during the day where the two older ones can see them and go up to the fence. When do I let them all in together?? The RIR is starting to crow not a professional at it lol its a sad attempt.

 

[patti17340]

I have been stressing about this too. I had 3 chickens and about 2 weeks ago lost 2 of them .. So I have 1 lonely chicken. I have been offered 3 new chickens that are just about 8 months old. All hens I am picking them up tomorrow. I put up a screen to section off the hen house and thought I would keep in up and keep the new hens confined until this weekend. My hens usually get out about 9am and go back in when it starts to get dark. So my lonely hen will still get out. This weekend I thought I would just let them all out to free range and let them see who comes out on top. Does this make sense .. hope I am doing this the right way. any input ..patit

 

[SilviaC]

Eat the rooster and everybody will be happier

 

[cowtown chick]

I'm having the same problem, I've had my pullets (2 mos old) living day/night in a dog kennel cage inside the chicken coop/run with my older hens for about one month. I try to let the new ones out to mingle with the older ones thinking they've been together long enough to get used to each other and they immediately get attacked by the older hens. Are they still too young to be out of the kennel? Should I wait until they are older, or should I let the older ones torment them, its very disturbing to watch, can only handle a few seconds of it and then I put the young ones back inside the cage.