Help Introducing new birds

[Jenthehen127]

We have 4 hens (at least we are pretty sure all hens) 16 weeks, and 4 hens at least one roo, 12 weeks. We have been putting them in a separate pen near the older group for about a week. Today I put them together in the penned in yard. The 9lder group was not very receptive. The younger ones we do friendly at first, then a little nervous. Two of the older ones were more aggressive, and packed at and even bit the younger ones at times. It wasn't the worst I guess, but how do I know what is normal squabbling and what is too much? I know I'm supposed to put the younger ones in the hen house at night, but they would be so scared. They have never been in there. That's the older girls territory. Any advice?

 

[DobieLover]

We have 4 hens (at least we are pretty sure all hens) 16 weeks, and 4 hens at least one roo, 12 weeks. We have been putting them in a separate pen near the older group for about a week. Today I put them together in the penned in yard. The 9lder group was not very receptive. The younger ones we do friendly at first, then a little nervous. Two of the older ones were more aggressive, and packed at and even bit the younger ones at times. It wasn't the worst I guess, but how do I know what is normal squabbling and what is too much? I know I'm supposed to put the younger ones in the hen house at night, but they would be so scared. They have never been in there. That's the older girls territory. Any advice?

Did you have the younger pullets in a 'look don't touch' arrangement with the older pullets for some time?
How large is your coop?
How large is your run?
The younger pullets need to have places to get out of the line of sight of the older pullets. They all need LOTS of space. This is particularly important at roost time.
Do you have a secure place for the younger pullets until they start to integrate?

 

[Birdie mom]

You will know if they are fighting to much if the youngsters have bleeding combs (peck marks), Or they are sitting with their heads sheltered underneath something to hide from the elders.

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

I have been so lucky with all chickens. The one time I had an issue I waited another 2 weeks until the babies were a little bigger and I didn't have a problem when I reintroduced them.

 

[Jenthehen127]

Did you have the younger pullets in a 'look don't touch' arrangement with the older pullets for some time?
How large is your coop?
How large is your run?
The younger pullets need to have places to get out of the line of sight of the older pullets. They all need LOTS of space. This is particularly important at roost time.
Do you have a secure place for the younger pullets until they start to integrate?

I do keep them in a separate pen and bring them around to the coop in a penned in area where the 2 groups could see each other. Did that about a week and a half. The coop is pretty big with separate roosts where they each can go. The run is 10 x 10. I will work on "line of sight". Thank you.

 

[3mile]

I am new to introducing new members as well. I have 5 , 9 week olds and 2, 7 week olds. Have the younger ones in a crate next to the permanent run. Plan is to introduce them after 12 days. 3 days in so far and fingers crossed

 

[Jenthehen127]

Did you have the younger pullets in a 'look don't touch' arrangement with the older pullets for some time?
How large is your coop?
How large is your run?
The younger pullets need to have places to get out of the line of sight of the older pullets. They all need LOTS of space. This is particularly important at roost time.
Do you have a secure place for the younger pullets until they start to integrate?

I am new to introducing new members as well. I have 5 , 9 week olds and 2, 7 week olds. Have the younger ones in a crate next to the permanent run. Plan is to introduce them after 12 days. 3 days in so far and fingers crossed

I'd think it would go OK since they are super close in age! Fingers crossed for ya!

 

[Jenthehen127]

I do keep them in a separate pen and bring them around to the coop in a penned in area where the 2 groups could see each other. Did that about a week and a half. The coop is pretty big with separate roosts where they each can go. The run is 10 x 10. I will work on "line of sight". Thank you.

@DobieLover also my one hen, older group, is very vocal about this whole situation. She is the reddest of the 4. Is that normal for a hen? She makes a throat sound like errrrrr. (Sorry, I don't know how else to describe!) And was clicking 1 short cluck several times. No of the other seem to be doing this.

 

[DobieLover]

@DobieLover also my one hen, older group, is very vocal about this whole situation. She is the reddest of the 4. Is that normal for a hen? She makes a throat sound like errrrrr. (Sorry, I don't know how else to describe!) And was clicking 1 short cluck several times. No of the other seem to be doing this.

Well, if she's only 16 weekd old, she's not a hen. She's a developing pullet. So her becoming red and clucking means she's likely coming into point of lay (POL).
Your area is adequate for an integrated flock but is very tight for doing integration.
Do you free range or have a larger pen they use? That will help greatly.

 

[Jenthehen127]

Well, if she's only 16 weekd old, she's not a hen. She's a developing pullet. So her becoming red and clucking means she's likely coming into point of lay (POL).
Your area is adequate for an integrated flock but is very tight for doing integration.
Do you free range or have a larger pen they use? That will help greatly.

We have a 5 ft pen we have been using for introduction. I'll have to see about enlarging, even temporarily for introduction. Thank you! Very much appreciate the advice! ❤