Done integrating for winter

[onthespot]

if I was going to integrate two or more flocks, I think I would put up some new visual breaks, or hiding spots that were safe and would not trap a chicken, in both territories, stuff chickens could get behind, like even a cardboard box, wheelbarrow, pallet on bricks, stuff that would mix it up for both flocks and give them a place to dodge behind until it was sorted out.

 

[lucyb]

Hey, thanks, I've got a lot of info from reading this....so it's ok to have more than one rooster in a flock? (i have two brothers, only 4 months old now but I was wondering what was going to happen later on...). also i'm going to have to inegrate three different groups together in a few weeks...only have one run though and they are all in it already...adults in the run and babies in the coop that's divided into two...mother and abies in one half and just babies (from a different batch) in the other. when the time comes, can I let them all out together or would that be disaster? Any help appreciated!

 

[Buster]

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I do this too!

 

[lucyb]

ah, ok, thanks!

 

[Buster]

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What I've noticed help is to have them in their own areas and once you mix them let them keep access to the same areas while still having access to each other. Also, free ranging them together helps a lot too where they can get away from each other and still go back to their own "safe" areas. Hiding spots are important as well and the larger the chicks the better off they will be when you mix them. They should be similar in size to the big girls. I put mine together when they are the size of the banties out there.

Good luck!

 

[lucyb]

Great, thanks alot. I might put the Barred Rocks in with the adult flock first then, as they are already three times the size of the Silver Campine and Light Sussex babies. Will also make sure there are panic rooms for them!