How to introduce new flock?

[Linda1218]

So I have the old flock that are 7 months old , and some younger ones that are 4 months old .. I'm getting a bigger coop and want them all together . But for right now there in 2 different coop but when they free range the old flock would peck at then. So how can I put them together when I get the new coop without them killing each other..

 

[floppysquirrel04]

Probably separate the two flocks with a mesh wall so they can see and interact with each other without actually being with them. After a week or so of that, start letting them free range with supervision together for a few hours a day and then put them back in their own pens when they’re done for another week. Then maybe try introducing them to each other?

 

[aart]

So I have the old flock that are 7 months old , and some younger ones that are 4 months old .. I'm getting a bigger coop and want them all together . But for right now there in 2 different coop but when they free range the old flock would peck at then. So how can I put them together when I get the new coop without them killing each other..

How many birds total?
How big is new coop, in feet by feet?
How long have they ranged together?
You have two things going on, a new coop and an ongoing integration.
The 'new to both groups' coop might alleviate the territoriality issues of integration.
Locking them all in the same coop for a couple days,
provided with lots of space and multiple feed and waterers,
will home them both to the new coop.
Will still have to lock up old coops as they may want to go there.

 

[Mrs. K]

I would not lock them in the same coop for a few days until they were being nice to each other in the run.

Being as you have a couple of coops, it will depend on your numbers. We tend to think all of nothing, when little adjustments can work best. Put the younger birds in the new coop/run first. Leave them there a few days. Let them get used to it, and claim the territory a bit. Do put up hide outs, multiple feeders, and roosts in the run. Add a lot of clutter, so birds can get away from each other.

Then add the older birds into the new coop. Chances are, there will be one or two real meanies. Pull them back out. Leave the older birds that tend to be more mellow. Wait a week or so, then add back in the meanies...see how it goes.

The older birds will be dominant, but the 4 month old bird must be close to laying, and once they are, pretty equal to the old birds, therefore the slight advantage of being in the new coop first, should even things out.

Mrs K

 

[Linda1218]

Thank you guys so much for the advice and yes one of my 4 months ish hen is laying since yesterday I was so Schock and excited bc they were my first batch I hatch from the incubator in December and my old flock were from the hatchery .. most of them are ok but the easter egger is the meanest of them all ... I have 5 old ones and 3 new ones the new coop is 6×4x6 and 6 nest box and they free range .

 

[Feath3rDust3r]

I always let mine free range together first. They can go back into their respective coops for a break when they want to. After about 3 days of that I just move the new hens into the other coop at night and shut off their old coop. I never have any fighting that way