Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Ok so my little ones and big ones are used to each other. At what point do I let them out together they are trying to escape the cage. I thought about letting them out today it's going to be nice out. I've never integrated a flock into a flock before. Anything I should be aware of

I have done many integrations. There are a couple of basic rules.

Space. The new ones need to be able to get away from the bigger ones. You can give space by giving the range space or providing an escape route by providing an opening only the little ones can fit through.

Feeding/Drinking. The little ones must be able to drink and eat without interference from the big ones. You must have enough eating and drinking stations that the big ones can't block them all.

Patience. You must accept that the little ones will get chased and pecked. You cannot interfere with the process unless someone gets cornered. They have to work things out on their own.

Roosting. This can be the most trying time. Do you have dedicated roosting space for the little ones? If not, roosting time will be most trying for you. The little ones will be abused at roosting time if they try to roost with the big chooks. You may want to consider giving them their own space. My latest integration went much better because the little ones had their own roosting place.

 

[ValarieF]

I have done many integrations. There are a couple of basic rules.

Space. The new ones need to be able to get away from the bigger ones. You can give space by giving the range space or providing an escape route by providing an opening only the little ones can fit through.

Feeding/Drinking. The little ones must be able to drink and eat without interference from the big ones. You must have enough eating and drinking stations that the big ones can't block them all.

Patience. You must accept that the little ones will get chased and pecked. You cannot interfere with the process unless someone gets cornered. They have to work things out on their own.

Roosting. This can be the most trying time. Do you have dedicated roosting space for the little ones? If not, roosting time will be most trying for you. The little ones will be abused at roosting time if they try to roost with the big chooks. You may want to consider giving them their own space. My latest integration went much better because the little ones had their own roosting place.

Thanks Bob got all of the above.

 

[ValarieF]

For these photos I use the Cut Paste Photo app.
View attachment 3291062

Is there a free one?

 

[featherhead007]

For sale cheap. One really bad attitude (pecking his ladies hard and making them cry) the attitude is for sale, not the rooster. “I will deal with him my self!”

He’s being such a brat, I have separated him from the ladies for a while. Why is he pecking at the ladies? Hen-Rietta doesn’t appreciate it, and Flash doesn’t either!

 

[GregnLety]

My blood pressure keeps improving as the day goes. Pretty impressed with the new PA at the clinic. I will make some modification to my diet, meaning I will try to admit that Lety is right concerning my use of salt, lol.

 

[GregnLety]

He’s being such a brat, I have separated him from the ladies for a while. Why is he pecking at the ladies? Hen-Rietta doesn’t appreciate it, and Flash doesn’t either!

Some of my hens actually peck back at certain roosters.

 

[Ponypoor]

I have done many integrations. There are a couple of basic rules.

Space. The new ones need to be able to get away from the bigger ones. You can give space by giving the range space or providing an escape route by providing an opening only the little ones can fit through.

Feeding/Drinking. The little ones must be able to drink and eat without interference from the big ones. You must have enough eating and drinking stations that the big ones can't block them all.

Patience. You must accept that the little ones will get chased and pecked. You cannot interfere with the process unless someone gets cornered. They have to work things out on their own.

Roosting. This can be the most trying time. Do you have dedicated roosting space for the little ones? If not, roosting time will be most trying for you. The little ones will be abused at roosting time if they try to roost with the big chooks. You may want to consider giving them their own space. My latest integration went much better because the little ones had their own roosting place.

As bob said - esp bed time!

 

[Ponypoor]

For sale cheap. One really bad attitude (pecking his ladies hard and making them cry) the attitude is for sale, not the rooster. “I will deal with him my self!”

Chickens are like people also, that have good and bad days. Sometimes you just have to let them work it out themselves

 

[BY Bob]

Thanks Bob got all of the above.

Sounds like you are ready.

 

[Ponypoor]

My blood pressure keeps improving as the day goes. Pretty impressed with the new PA at the clinic. I will make some modification to my diet, meaning I will try to admit that Lety is right concerning my use of salt, lol.

I am sure she most certainly is correct!