Integrating 8 wk olds w/ older hens.

[MPORT]

I'm starting my flock today. I'm getting 8 laying hens that are approximately one year old and 2 8-week-old Barred Rocks. The mature hens are coming from one place and the pullets are coming from another. How should I integrate? I'm hoping they can all be put together up front since the coop will be new for all of them, but don't want to end up with dead pullets. What would you do?

 

[tjb]

I'm starting my flock today. I'm getting 8 laying hens that are approximately one year old and 2 8-week-old Barred Rocks. The mature hens are coming from one place and the pullets are coming from another. How should I integrate? I'm hoping they can all be put together up front since the coop will be new for all of them, but don't want to end up with dead pullets. What would you do?

When I integrate my younger chicks, I place them in a dog kennel inside the coop for about 3-5 days. Door shut for first 48 hours. The birds get to know each other... Usually on day 3, I prop the kennel door open just wide enough for the chicks to get in and out, but not allow the larger birds to follow them in. By day 5, they are good to go... Hope this helps...

 

[RWise]

Once set free, I set up feeding areas for the younger birds that older larger birds cannot get to. I use fencing with 3"x3" openings, (some with 4") around the food, and covered with chicken wire, or whatever I have a hen cannot go through.
This gives them an area to get away from the larger birds/girls, and they dont have to fight for their meal.

 

[aart]

I'm starting my flock today. I'm getting 8 laying hens that are approximately one year old and 2 8-week-old Barred Rocks. The mature hens are coming from one place and the pullets are coming from another. How should I integrate? I'm hoping they can all be put together up front since the coop will be new for all of them, but don't want to end up with dead pullets. What would you do?

That might work....and it might not.
It only covers one aspect of integration, territoriality over space.
Maturity of the birds may play a huge role.
Be ready to separate if things get bloody.

I hope you have lots of space....and still keep some of these tips in mind...
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.