Does anyone have tips for integrating new birds into the flock?

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC.

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Good luck with the integration. The number one rule for a successful integration it's lots of space. Number two is lots of time.

I agree. Do an on site search for 'flock integration' for more ideas.

 

[Gertrude LaBirdy]

Thanks guys

 

[CluckNDoodle]

I just tried integrating two new hens into my flock. They had side by side pens where they could see but not touch each other and then when I attempted direct contact they were free ranged together but still cooped separately at night. One of the new hens turned out to be a scrapper and just wanted to fight ALL the time, she just didn't fit my flock regardless of what I tried. Once I removed her, the other new hen only took two days to start going into the large coop with the rest of the flock at night. So sometimes a hen just doesn't fit in but most of the time it's just a matter of lots of space, time, and treats. Lol

 

[Gertrude LaBirdy]

We’ve been trying for weeks. She’s a sweet, friendly bird, yet my bigger birds are constantly shooing her off the food and water, and we are afraid she’ll starve.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

We’ve been trying for weeks. She’s a sweet, friendly bird, yet my bigger birds are constantly shooing her off the food and water, and we are afraid she’ll starve.

I do always add an extra feeding and watering area for the newbies because what you're describing is very common during integrating.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello from Montana!! Welcome to BYC!!

I have had good luck with the "see-no-touch" method, as well, but it was re-integration and not an introduction.

I don't recommend this on singles, or maybe don't recommend it at all, but I've also introduced two flocks of chickens at night and let them figure it out. Not singles, but 10-15 at a time. I attributed it to safety in numbers. Don't crucify me... It worked out just fine. Worth noting that my chickens are free range and have plenty of room to run.

Anywho, that's my experience. Wish you much luck!

 

[Gertrude LaBirdy]

Thank you so much— we will try that first thing tomorrow

 

[drumstick diva]

I don't think it is ever a good idea to have them roost together at night and walk out. You could find dead bird in the morning." The Look but Don't Touch, " is generally the kindest, gentlest way to integrate. But nothing works 100% of the time.

 

[TashaFrancois]

I have also used what we call the ambassador method, lol. While I see that your flock is small, one of the hens is more passive. Supervise just her and the new Pullet while giving treats and lovins. We use our Silkie. The single hen bonds more quickly. Then place them both back in and while there will be pecking order, the new girl will have someone to run to and follow around.

 

[feathermaid]

Integrating in general is hard, introducing a single chicken is even more challenging.
Whatever your separation method (dog crate, wire fence) put both food and water stations next to each other - one on each side of the barrier. That will get them used to eating together.

As already mentioned, they need lots of space, and time.
Free range time in the yard usually helps tremendously... there's lots of space to run away and food and water isn't necessarily close by.

Inside the run or coop, add extra perches or obstacles to break the line of sight of an offending chaser. Multiple food and water stations are necessary, this time far apart. Pecking order is going to happen no matter what. But if you notice that one bird in particular (Wendy or Gertrude) is being extra aggressive, put her in the crate instead and let the other 2 work it out for a few days on an even playing field.

Another popular method was mentioned earlier, though not my favorite: just put Cheese on the roost at night, nobody will be fighting in the dark. Check first thing in the morning to make sure they're all ok, some pecking and chasing is normal, but if blood is being drawn, try crating the main aggressor or free ranging for a while.

Remember, chickens will be chickens, and pecking order isn't pretty, but it's normal.
Best wishes!