Flock integration

[Chicks Creek]

In your experience how long does integration take? I've got 5 pullets hatched between May 20 - June 24 that I'm integrating into my flock of 6 laying hens who were born around April 2. They've all been near each other all summer separated only by a fence so they could see each other. They have also had supervised free ranging time all together. Last night I put the younger ones in a wire crate inside the coop because the big girls still peck at them. For the most part they're about the same size except one Lavorp who has barely grown (a discussion for another post).

How long before I trust the big girls to not beat up our babies? Any other tricks I should be trying?

 

[Ridgerunner]

What do your facilities look like? How big (in feet) is your coop? You mention free range. If you have a run, how big is it (in feet). Basically what are you working with?

My pullets avoid the adults until they start to lay. If they get too close to the adults they are likely to get pecked or worse so they quickly learn to keep their distance. Once they start to lay they are accepted in the pecking order and can mingle with the adults. During the day it's like I have two separate flocks. At night, they sleep separately.

My goal during integration is not that they all eat and sleep together as a group. It is simply that no one gets hurt. All of that "one big flock" stuff will come as they mature. But I have facilities big enough that they can stay separated until they don't need to.

I've had chicks raised by a broody hen and weaned at 3 weeks of age manage themselves. They avoid the rest of the flock day and night. I raise my brooder raised chicks in a brooder in the coop until they are 5 weeks old and then let them loose. They quickly learn to avoid the adults. When the pullets start to lay they become one flock. Each flock can be different but usually it is no problem.

You do not get any guarantees with chickens and their behaviors. Anything can happen. I find with integration, having enough space makes a lot of difference. If your space is tight there are a few tricks people use to make it easier. That's why I'm interested in what you are working with.

Good luck!