integrating a new bird to the flock

[royandj]

I recently got another order for broilers, and with my group came a bonus"rare breed" bird. Well the broilers go to the freezer next week and the tiny, little, black, unidentified bird has to go in with my 11 layers. I did a trial introduction the other morning and was surprised at how inhospitable my very tame and usually friendly, girls were to this little creature. Please advise as to the best way to introduce "little bit" to the gang.

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

Hi,
I would set the new commer in a wire pen in the middle of the coop where every one can walk around her and get used to seeing her for a few days. Then I would let her out but I lean a couple baby gates up against the walls for the newbie to hide behind. After a few days I see they no longer try to hide behind them any more and un screw the gates and take them out.

 

[Rock-chick]

Hi there I,m having same problem but have separated the new chickens for about 10 days.They can be seen but not got at. This seems to work for me but one naughty hen is a peckker so I may have to separate her permanently. She is a good layer so wont get rid. Hope this works for you!

 

[royandj]

thanks I'm going to work on that this weekend. It does seem that the girls that are the sweetest to humans are the crankiest to their own kind. maybe they don't know they're chickens

 

[AtRendeAcres]

you have to wait till they are about the same size

 

[royandj]

I'm not even sure what this little chick is. it could be a bantam (which I'm not familiar with at all). Am I doing any harm by keeping it separated, or will it become antisocial...I know it's a chicken...but I want them to have happy lives!!!

 

[Sabrinainmiss]

I recently intergrated 12 younger pullets (about 14 weeks old) with my older hens. The older hens were not very nice at first keeping the young ones in the coop and chasing them for about a week (pecking order thing I'm sure), then things settled down nicely. Now they get along fine with an occasional peck here and there.