Integrating 14 weeks with 11 weeks

[TrixieChickie]

Hi, I need advice on integrating a flock of 8 chickens that are 14 weeks old (about half roosters, we will have to get rid of some when we figure out how many we have) and a flock of 6 chickens that are 11 weeks old (supposedly all hens). They’ve been separated and within earshot but not sight of each other up until the last few days. Now we have them separated in two areas of run next to each other. How long should I keep them separated but in view of each other, before starting to integrate? Thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

How long should I keep them separated but in view of each other, before starting to integrate?

About a week. BUT I would pull all the cockerels out of the older flock and put the younger pullets in with the older pullets after you've added lots of clutter and multiple feed stations.

At 14 weeks, gender is easy to determine (unless it's a Silkie) so feel free to post pictures of the cockerel suspects.

 

[aart]

Here's some tips about....

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Bananabread]

Not sure about pulling roosters out since they still all relatively juvenile but I'd defer to other's experience if that's necessary. Just not something I've had to do.

I agree, a week should be plenty. And then I would spend a couple days letting them out briefly under direct supervision for 5-10 minutes at a time or however long you're willing to stay with them, ready to separate them when things get too pecky. After a few days of this I would step out of the run and just observe and if all goes well, walk away. I personally found it very difficult not to want to intervene the moment they started lifting their neck feathers.

Ultimately, they have to establish their pecking order and to my surprise, the most "toxic" ones in one group may quickly back down from the leader of the other group. A little bark can go a long way in one flock and mean nothing in another (just like dogs I guess). At the end of the day, nature will figure it out so I'd just pull the bandaid off and let them do their thing as hard as that may be, particularly if you raised them since they were little fur balls.