Integrating Chicks To existing Flock

[Panhanle RIR]

I have a 1 year old flock and i will soon introduce 7 new chickens but the new chickens are in a cage in the existing flocks run so they can see each other

do you think this will cause them not to fight

 

[gryeyes]

That's MY hope - I'm doing the same thing. Six adolescent chicks in a coop with an attached, covered pen right smack dab in the middle of the run.

I know they will still go through the pecking order fuss, but there shouldn't be any outright fighting.

 

[HathawayHens]

Let me know how this works out, as I am going to be trying the same thing this fall...

 

[saladin]

A lot depends on the breed of chickens, the amount of space they have and the amount of space at the feeder. Most hen fighting is not that bad: unless you are dealing with some breeds of Orientals/Games. saladin

 

[Higins00]

You need to have space for the younger ones to hide because no matter what they are going to get picked on for a while. I introduce mine an hour before they roost so they leave them alone and settle in for the night. Check first thing in the morning. The smallest nicest older chicken will turn into a monster for the pecking order. Keep and eye on them and toss them some cracked corn so they have something to do instead of attacking. Good Luck

 

[buckaroo's wife]

I just "inherited" a Barred Rock hen that is the same age as my other 4 girls (3 EEs and 1 BO) - right now she is in a dog crate in the coop, so she can be seen/smelled/heard but not pecked at. How long should I leave her in? Let us know how your situation turns out!