Incorporating new birds, is this progress?

[rosemarythyme]

I do let them out a few hours most days, but there are some lengths of time they go without that level of freedom.

Yeah, this is a mid-urban backyard in Chicago, and not only mine at that. The kids need space to play, too. Granted we weren't initially planning on keeping this many of the new batch, and I'm kinda playing it by ear as far as whether or not to pass along any more.

Free range time does help, but if it's a couple hours every few days, it really doesn't make up for tight quarters.

In the long run, this may or may not work out - you'll just need to keep an eye on their behavior. I certainly don't expect them all to be instant friends but obviously you don't want any birds getting injured, being chased away from food, or bullied to the point that they spend all day hiding. If you can't expand the set up then rehoming a few birds is also a solution if things don't work out.

 

[Chicalina]

I agree, I think they are awfully overcrowded and need about 6 times more space than they have. You need to extend their run by a large amount or let them free range during the whole day, just using the coop to sleep and lay.

 

[aart]

Yeah, this is a mid-urban backyard in Chicago, and not only mine at that. The kids need space to play, too. Granted we weren't initially planning on keeping this many of the new batch, and I'm kinda playing it by ear as far as whether or not to pass along any more.

Your set up, as it is, will be a nightmare in winter.

 

[ILChickenTV]

Whatever you’re opinion of my setup, whether or not your entitled to it, is really irrelevant to this thread at this point. If you saw the first post, they aren’t murdering each other, and as I said, I’m playing the space thing by ear. If you are truly concerned about the wellbeing of my chickens, feel free to DM me practical advice that fits my situation.
Trying not to be salty, but it’s been two days and the chickens are doing pretty well. If I start having problems, I will start a new thread.
Thanks for all your input, and I do still have hopes to expand.
Have a good day and stay safe wherever y’all are.

 

[Chicalina]

You asked for advice about your chickens' behaviour and integration, and people have given their advice that you don't have enough space, and that is the likely cause of the conflict.

No point complaining if you don't like the advice given. Posters are just giving you information and opinions based on experience, which is what you requested.

This is a really helpful friendly forum, and nobody has judged you or been mean.

Pointing out potential longer term problems is something that should be useful to you as well.

We've all had less than perfect setups at various points i am sure, especially short term while roosters seek new homes, or chicks/pullets wait to be sold, or through being ill or caught up with urgent family stuff, for example, so no judgment from me, just wanting to help.