dsleeper

[dsleeper]

Hi, I have been keeping up with Back Yard Chickens and decided to join. I have had chickens for about 3 years all Rhode Island Reds. We have added Barred Rock, Buff Orpingtons , and Black Sex links. We have had the new ones about 4 months. My question is when would it be safe to put them with the older hens. I have plenty of room for them all to be together, as much as I would like to free range them there is to much activity with a busy highway and dogs. Thanks in advance for any advice I can get.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, drsleeper, and

! Great to have you aboard! I think by 4 months you should be good to go but the introduction has to be done right. Lots of folks give the the two groups of birds access to each other - but not actual physical contact - like through a fence. That way they get used to each other and there will be fewer battles. When I finally put them together (after about 4 days) I put the new girls into the coop at dark so they are less likely to get picked and pecked. In the morning I open the coop at first light so the newbies are trapped with the older ones. Once out of the coop I monitor them. The normal pecking order squabbles are to be expected as the older ones will want to show the newbies who is in charge. As long as no one is getting singled out and picked on you should be good to go. If one (or more) is, separate it and repeat the above process. Good luck to you and have fun!

 

[drumstick diva]

Redsoxs is good at this, follow his advice

 

[CherishHolland]

Hi and Welcome to BYC! Best of luck with your flock,and follow Redsoxs' advice. By doing what was mentioned I was able to successfully merge my 7 week old chickens with the 3 month old chickens. A little squabbling at first but things have calmed down and they all seem to be getting along rather well. Best of luck!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Hi and Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!