How do I incorporate pullets?

[ChickenladyMA4]

I have two adult hens right now with a coop/run that fits about 5-6 hens max- so it’s small. I let them free range during the day but in 2 weeks I have 4 pullets that will be available to me. How do I incorporate them given the small space?

I want to let the pullets free range but with my adult hens I had to keep them in their coop/run for a week to get them acclimated to the space. Not sure how I can do that with the pullets. Will they follow the adults hens and go back in at night or will I be chasing them all over the yard? Do they also need to stay in the coop/run for a week? If so, is this an issue with the adults needing to go in and out during the day?

Lastly, do you think there will be any issues with them getting along? Anything I should do?

Thanks so much for any insights.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

First, let's make sure you truly have room for 4 more pullets, which will soon mature into hens. How big is your coop, just the area they sleep in? For six hens, it needs to be at least 24 sq ft, or 6 x 4 ft, L x W. If you are measuring it in inches, it's too small. If it's a pre-fab coop that the seller advertises as big enough for 6 hens, it's probably only big enough for two.

 

[Mrs. K]

Yes I do think you will have problems. A tight coop makes it very hard to get integration. How old are the pullets? Close to laying, of 4 week old chick? As advice is different.

If you have a prefab, might only add two or three vs the four. Do you have to get four?

You could lock the new ones in the coop/run, and the old ones locked out in the yard. Then collect the new ones in a dog crate and let the old ones in to roost. Feed along the fence. After a few days, let the old ones in a little earlier and see.

I think in a really small flock like this I would order the pin less peepers and have them at hand.