Integrating 7/8 week old hens to same aged flock, is separating necessary?

[NNations]

We were going to get 2 or 3 more pullets to add to our current flock for better egg production and I am wondering if separating them at the beginning is even necessary since they are all still young and free range. My flock is currently 7/8 weeks old and I am planning on getting hens the same age. My babies are free ranging now and we have lots of protection out here where they can hide and they are loving the freedom. They are going to their coop on their own to sleep now, but I am wondering if the new pullets will follow suit. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

More than likely you will see fighting at that age and will have to separate and play referee. I found it harder to get younger birds together that are over 2 weeks.

 

[NNations]

More than likely you will see fighting at that age and will have to separate and play referee. I found it harder to get younger birds together that are over 2 weeks.

We thought it would be easier to integrate while they were younger instead of waiting until they were older and hormone driven.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

We thought it would be easier to integrate while they were younger instead of waiting until they were older and hormone driven.

What I meant was that chicks to adults are the easiest. Chicks to chick are harder at any age. It will depend on your individuals. You will need to pen the new ones in the coop for a week or two to get them bonded to it before trying to release them. Hopefully the mingling goes easy, it's always different with each batch.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's also possible they could get along well enough right off the bat, though you should still keep an eye on them. I put two 7 week olds with two chicks of identical age and there were no issues. The chicks I'd already had even led the new ones to the coop that night.