Hens staying in their Brooder flock

[Stellasmomma]

Hello, I have hens of various ages from 4 yrs to 9 weeks one thing I have noticed is that the hens all seem to stay in the group that they were brooded in while free ranging, The Jerseys stay together, the sex links stay together, the silkies say together etc. they mingle when in the coop together but once out they separate into their flocks. I thought they would form one big flock but that has not been the case at all! Ended up with 2 Jersey Roo's and they even stay with the Jersey girls. Is this a normal thing ?

 

[sourland]

It's a normal thing. Birds of a feather flock together.

 

[Stellasmomma]

It's a normal thing. Birds of a feather flock together.

Thanks! I found it interesting and for some reason thought they would just form one big flock ! I'm always learning something new here!

 

[sourland]

They will probably gradually integrate somewhat more, but chickens do tend to stay friends with birds that they were raised with.

 

[Anime2lover]

Hello, I have hens of various ages from 4 yrs to 9 weeks one thing I have noticed is that the hens all seem to stay in the group that they were brooded in while free ranging, The Jerseys stay together, the sex links stay together, the silkies say together etc. they mingle when in the coop together but once out they separate into their flocks. I thought they would form one big flock but that has not been the case at all! Ended up with 2 Jersey Roo's and they even stay with the Jersey girls. Is this a normal thing ?

Normal. I'd suggest, if you want them to flock together, raise them together in the brooder. And even then they will still form smaller flocks inside the flock.

 

[Stellasmomma]

Normal. I'd suggest, if you want them to flock together, raise them together in the brooder. And even then they will still form smaller flocks inside the flock.

They are different ages so they couldn't be brooded together they range in ages from 4 years to 6 weeks, I don't mind that they have their own flocks I just found it so interesting! I wondered if this is something that just happens with them and from what I am learning here it is! Chickens are just so interesting and very fun to watch! Thanks for your help

 

[Stellasmomma]

They will probably gradually integrate somewhat more, but chickens do tend to stay friends with birds that they were raised with.

They defiantly do! I don't mind at all I found it so interesting !

 

[Anime2lover]

They are different ages so they couldn't be brooded together they range in ages from 4 years to 6 weeks, I don't mind that they have their own flocks I just found it so interesting! I wondered if this is something that just happens with them and from what I am learning here it is! Chickens are just so interesting and very fun to watch! Thanks for your help

Yea, it's normal. They have their own little friend groups they spend most their time with.