Combining younger large breed with older flock

[Jjdesmo11]

Hi, I have a crew of 7 and a young cockerel. So 8 total I’m putting in a new coop in the next few days. It’s an OverEZ medium rated for 10 but I plan to only keep 8 in it. My flock is a Salmon faverolle cockerel ( 5 months), 2 Wyandottes (4mo), 1 cochin (5mon), 2 lavender orphingtons( 4mo). I would like to add my 2 Salmon faverolles (2mo)to this crew but worry the younger/smaller will get picked on..but they are huge! I mean about the size of the Wyandottes. Would it be best to add when I add them all to the new coop? Or let them stay separate in a grow out coop and add in a month or so. I want them to have the best chance (they are a pretty “derpy” breed ) also still need to construct a run but have temporary day runs (not predator proof) that I plan to set up so they should be able to get away but not entirely. Not ready to let them free range, had 3 taken in the last few months that were smaller. Tips on this integration. Maybe put them in there first then add the other crew? Thanks!

 

[aart]

This one?:
https://overezchickencoop.com/product/medium-over-ez-chicken-coop/
Population of 10 is the typical overstatement on prefab coops.
Webpage cites size as ...50L x 52W x 62H...and I am assuming that is in inches.
Probably only 50x40 (not including nests) is 13 sqft,
will hold 3 birds at the minimum of 4sqft usually recommended.
If you live in a mild climate and have a good sized weather and predator proof run,
it might work out be fine.

Getting them integrated into such a small coop might be a challenge tho.
Might work to put them all in the new coop at the same time,
it can reduce the territorial aspect of integration,
especially if they've lived in adjacent spaces for a few weeks.

Her's some tips on....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[moniquem]

I have that same coop with 4 hens in it. I have a BR, BA, EE and SS, all large breeds, I cannot imagine putting in 4 extra hens in that size coop! Fortunately my gals really only sleep in it, they have the run of the yard and lay eggs in nests on my back porch.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Yes thanks! I knew I should have sprung for the large! The large was on sale for 1,300 though and in my opinion at that price it would be cheaper to build or use a shed. I wanted something quick and easy right now and this was the best “prefab” We will hopefully make another in the future since now we have a template to go by now. I like the Amish style coop. Thanks for the tips! I had the dimensions but now looking at it it seems tiny. 10 chickens? No way. Maybe I should keep the 2 littles seperate after all Haha. I’m going to end up with multiple tiny compounds due to chicken math. They will free range and I live in TN so the weather is mild but we are gearing up for rainy season. Thanks for the info. I’ll have to keep looking for a cheap shed. That would be better and cheaper I’m sure!

 

[moniquem]

Exactly what happened to me! The medium was on sale, I put it together and it is a lot smaller than I thought! It looks even smaller with the 4 large girls in it. Thankfully they only use it for sleeping in.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Exactly what happened to me! The medium was on sale, I put it together and it is a lot smaller than I thought! It looks even smaller with the 4 large girls in it. Thankfully they only use it for sleeping in.

Ugh this makes me sad. After I finally told my husband I bought it he said that’s tiny you should have gotten the large. Only 4 looks crowded?! The lavender orphingtons and Salmons are big girls too! Maybe I can counteract with a huge run haha

 

[Mrs. K]

If you can get a shed, do so. Much better for the number of birds you want. Sometimes you can find them on craigslist.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

If you can get a shed, do so. Much better for the number of birds you want. Sometimes you can find them on craigslist.

Yes but expensive and difficult to move when bought used though. I’m hoping to find cheaper around this time. Thanks!

 

[fur-mum]

I have a very small coop that was said to hold "up to 8" I believe. I have 7 and there's no way they'd all fit inside and be happy. It would literally be standing room only. In reality it probably would fit 2 at 4' sq ft. However, they only ever use it for rain cover and to sleep under the roof. They spent all of their time in the run, and now they free range. If that is an option for you, it should work.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Thanks for the positivity! Kinda bummed but to put all 8 in they will have 2.25 sq feet each. Not great but they are all super sweet birds. Will free range in the long run so hope I can make it work!