How can I integrate my flocks?

[dustbath]

I have 8 10-week old pullets that I'd like to integrate with my original, very small flock. The originals are about 4 years old, 2 roosters and a hen. The roosters are kept separate from each other. The pullets have been kept in a separate area.

My plan is to lock the new ones in the coop for a few days and then rotate the roosters into the free-ranging, combined flock.

Can I start this process now? If so, what's the best way to go about it?

Could I try putting the originals, one at a time, in with the pullets to see how they behave with each other? Is there any harm in trying this approach, assuming I'm on the scene to separate them if they seem like they'll hurt each other?

 

[Acre of Blessings]

I put my younger in the coop with the older at night. They should be fine. But always put them in of a night. The older chickens will think they have been there all along. Its funny how it works.

I put 6 week olds in with my almost 1 1/2 yr olds about 3 weeks ago and they have been just fine

Hope this answers your ?'s

 

[dustbath]

Given that one of the original roosters is alone, and there are only 2 in the other part of the coop, will they really think the 8 new guys have been there all along?

If I try them together during the day, will I risk establishing a pattern of hostility? Or, if it doesn't work, can I try again at night?

I'm worried about this because I separated 2 hens for about a week and after that nothing I did could get them together again without seriously hurting each other. I really want to avoid that this time.

Thanks!

 

[hinkjc]

IMO they are too young to introduce to the older group. I would wait longer, as they will likely get picked on and should not be on the same feed as the older ones either yet.

 

[dustbath]

I had the idea that if they were definitely smaller, they wouldn't challenge the bigger ones for dominance and the integration would be easier. Does that make any sense?

 

[jen5680]

I posted a while back basically the same question and got all sorts of different answers. But everyone said don't put them in there if they are to small and they all said that they would fight. pecking order or not. one lady told me that she puts them in the pen in a smaller pen were they can get used to seeing each other for a week or so and then she put the flock she already had one at a time in with the new ones for a bit and let them get a little used to each other and she said that worked.
I still dont' no. I think I would try the night time thing when they are older.
Sorry i'm not much more help either.
good luck.

 

[TexasVet]

No, it doesn't work that way. They'll attack smaller birds whether they're a threat or not, just because they're "new."

I have two adjoining pens. I keep grown chickens in one, chicks in the other. After they've been side-by-side for a week or two, I open the gate between the two areas. I've never had a problem integrating birds this way, and right now have 50 chicks (1-2 months old) running freely with grown birds.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com