First Timer Acquiring a Flock

[urbanhippiepdx]

We've got a coop for up to 8, and plan to start with 4-5. I've got 4 Rhode Island Reds pullets that I want to get from a local farm. My neighbor has a new flock, raised from chicks, similar in age. She thought she would loose a few, but hey all made it. She is interested I giving us two, but I certainly want more than that. I know introductions need to be made slowly and quarantining is also a factor. However, I'm wondering if it is ever a good time to introduce them at the same time since it's a new environment for them. Any insight or recommendations appreciated!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

We've got a coop for up to 8, and plan to start with 4-5. I've got 4 Rhode Island Reds pullets that I want to get from a local farm. My neighbor has a new flock, raised from chicks, similar in age. She thought she would loose a few, but hey all made it. She is interested I giving us two, but I certainly want more than that. I know introductions need to be made slowly and quarantining is also a factor. However, I'm wondering if it is ever a good time to introduce them at the same time since it's a new environment for them. Any insight or recommendations appreciated!

First question I have is what are the actual dimensions of the coop you have and where the quote of it being "for up to 8" came from? I ask because there is a serious issue with severe overstatement of the capacity of many of the coops being produced these days.

 

[urbanhippiepdx]

My husband is the mastermind, so I don't have the exact dimensions. We were hoping for 6, but built for up to 8 with 3 square feet per hen inside the coop.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

So, it's probably about 24 square feet inside then. Better than I was imagining as a lot of the "up to" sort of quotes tend to come into play with those pre-fab units that are being marketed and those things are built on the premise that each bird needs about 1.5 square feet inside and 2.5 outside......which leads to SERIOUS overcrowding.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I think making the integration part of the introduction to the new digs is a great approach to take - this takes the whole "invaders into our territory" out of the equation as far as either group already feeling a claim on the coop.

 

[aart]

That's tight space.
How old are the RIR pullets and the chicks form next door?

What is your climate?
Adding your location to your profile can really helps folks give you better answers/suggestions.