HOW DO I INTRODUCE NEW AND EXISTING CHICKENS TO EACH OTHER AND NEW COOP?

[EMC WHISPERER]

I was hoping someone here could help me out with this. I have 3 chickens that are two years old, two golden laced Wyandottes (Doodle and Florentine) and a Salmon Faverolle named Marsala. We recently aquired four Easter eggers, Ellen, Fiona, Legs and Lamont that we will be introducing when they are of size. Also, I aquired a new coop. The coop is a neighbors daughters play house that she outgrew, which is about 6'x6'x6' and will be attached by a tunnel to a 10'x10'x6' run. Right now the chicks are in the garage in a large dog cage with a heat lamp. The older chickens are in a coop that is inside of the run. I though a good way to introduce them to the older chickens would be to put the cage in the run for short periods of time, extending the length of time and supervising each visit to get them used to each other. I also figured lots of treats during that time would help too. After a couple weeks of visiting, I thought I would introduce them all to each other and the new coop at the same time. I figured several roosts, two feeders and waterers along with some sort of playground/gym/roost/swing that i planned on putting in the run to keep them occupied. Does anyone have any advice if this is a good approach or maybe some tips?

Thanx.
The Evil Mad Chicken Whisperer

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Welcome! Yes I think your plan is good, the new space will give them plenty to occupy them. But I would begin keeping your chicks in the old coop at 4 weeks, in their cage, without supervision. I am assuming the older birds have no way to reach your younger birds as long as they stay in the cage. I would keep them there where the older chickens can hear, smell, the younger birds. Chickens hate new things, so the more familiar your chickens are with the chicks the better. I would leave them in the cage, in the coop, for 3 weeks to a month. Then allow them to meet in the new coop.
Put a waterer and a feeder in each coop and leave them alone. As long as there is no blood, let them fight

 

[Pork Pie]

These links may be of some help

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1015820/reintegration-by-supervised-visits#post_15742910

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1069595/introducing-chicks-to-adults#post_16276224

All the best
CT

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

I think the best method is "Look but, don't touch." think you can find it through the search box.