How long until they start getting along?

[Rob Sivulka]

So I just bought and added a couple hens to the 3 I already have. Same breed, and about the same age (new ones may be a week or 2 younger--the ones I originally have will be 17 weeks tomorrow). They've been separated since Saturday afternoon, but Monday evening I put them altogether in a big pen where the new ones are keeping their distance and running for their lives! I'm thinking the new ones will go back in the tractor I set up next to the main coop tonight, but I'm hoping to put them altogether in the main coop tomorrow night. Is that a good idea or should I wait longer? The main coop is built for 4 with a small extension run I added to it. I'm going to be adding the Universal Chick-N-Nest box to the coop, which is 23.25 X 15.5 X 15.5". When should things start settling down?

 

[Den in Penn]

Well at this point you may have already put them together. If they weren't pecking each other to death you should be OK. If you haven't housed them together yet give them a few more supervised visits. The heavy pecking should only last a day or so, the other stuff takes a little longer.

 

[Rob Sivulka]

Thanks Den in Penn! Well they're doing much better outside altogether in their large pen. The older ones aren't as aggressive and just peck when they get around each other. The Chick-N-Nest box is all ready to go as of last night, but your warning made me not put the new ones in it as I had already planned. If things continue to go well today, I think I may put them in when the others are sleeping.