Integrating flocks

[chickndays]

Currently have two small flocks that I'm hoping to integrate soon.
There are two 2 yr Dominiques which seem docile and sweet and probably also miss their former flockmates.
And 5 8 wk pullets consisting of Wyandottes, Rhode Island Reds and an Australorp, none of which seem aggressive or overly dominant.
Does a smaller flock mean easier integration?

 

[FC16]

A smaller flock would usually mean they’ll establish a pecking order a bit quicker than if there was more. How soon were you planning to integrate, and what’s the size difference between the two flocks? If possible I’d wait until they’re fairly close in size and ideally have them so they can see each other (from 2 different pens/areas) for a week or so before putting them altogether. I mean inevitably there will be fights but usually makes an easier integration this way

 

[aart]

Does a smaller flock mean easier integration?

Not necessarily, the more birds involved the more the 'love' gets spread around.....space is key and often 'small flock' means small space.

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/

 

[Mrs. K]

Having more of the younger birds will help. Send a picture of your run, a lot of clutter and hideouts will help. Personally I get them in there together, with ways to get away from each other.