How do I introduce older hens to younger pullets?

[shaynemaidel]

I've seen tons of articles about how to introduce young chickens to adult chickens but not the other way around. I'm moving in two weeks across state to the family farm and I have a small flock of 6 chickens of my own. 4 are a year old and two are around 12 weeks and they're integrated nicely. The problem is, the farm we're moving to already has about 10 or 15 chickens (straight run) that are just now all the way feathered out and outside. They're about 8 weeks I believe. How do I integrate my adult girls with those existing little chickens?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Same way but in your case it may be easier since the bigger birds are going into strange surroundings with a larger flock. If there's sufficient space, I imagine it will go fairly well.

 

[redblack10]

You probably want to minimize stress on your birds, since they will have to adjust to a new setting, anyway. Can you create a temporary split run and coop? I had great luck with cheap garden fencing, chicken wire, and loose netting over the top, for daytime. At night, they roosted together - the older girls "chose" the high spots, and the young ones roosted slightly apart from them, lower. After a few days of socializing with the barrier, I made it so the young ones could duck in and out of their side, but the big girls could not. When I felt that everyone knew their place, I took down the fencing and saved it for the next time. Good luck with the move!

 

[shaynemaidel]

Thanks. That's encouraging!

 

[troy4]

Just set another coop next another 1.I'm not gonna explain alot go to my Some tips on CHICK$ENS! thread it explains.