Integrating New Adult Hens!

[Below frigid]

Last spring we acquired 4 six weeks old pullets. They all get along well besides the bullet picking on the most submissive one when food is involved. We recently adopted 4 hens all over a year old. They now share the yard. About 1/2 acre. We have 3 coops. Each group of Chickens has their own coop 4 in each. The new coop which no one is using is 7x7 except to lay an egg or two. Two of our younger hens are pretty aggressive toward the new older hens. It's been 4 weeks but they act like two separate flocks. 4 and 4. I would like to get them all in the new coop.and remove the two smaller coops. Sort of hesitant to lock them all in the new coop for a day or two. What do you think?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Chickens raised together stick together. It can take some more than a year before a more cohesive flock is formed after new ones are added. I personally wouldn't force anyone together as it could go badly. Give them more time.

 

[aart]

Definitely risky...and will be tricky.
Do you have runs attached to the coops?

What does the new larger coop look like inside?
Pics would help.
Separate roosts would help.

How do you normally provide feed and water?
Food/water/space is what trips the territoriality instincts.
Managing those things can help you 'manipulate' the birds behaviors.


Here's some tips that might help you think it thru,
they don't really match your situation, but....
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.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[Below frigid]

Thanks for confirming I am on the main right path! Will wait to put them all in the same coop. Feed time is mostly when the pecking happens. Nothing serious more chasing than anything.

 

[micstrachan]

I completely agree with time and confinement where they can see each other. When integrating pullets this year, I actually, believe it or not, gad some success with mealworm treats, scattering living mealworms about so they had to run for them. Even though sustenance was involved, they were so focused on the mealworms, they temporarily ignoredceach other.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have found really cold weather helping birds to become one flock. However, sub flocks are common in a flock, due to age and laying. Are the younger birds laying yet? If so, when they start, then they will be more like a single flock. If you have three coops, close one coop up and reduce to two coops for roosting, wait a while then close the last coop so only one place.

Do have separate feed bowls out of sight of each other.

Mrs K

 

[Below frigid]

I completely agree with time and confinement where they can see each other. When integrating pullets this year, I actually, believe it or not, gad some success with mealworm treats, scattering living mealworms about so they had to run for them. Even though sustenance was involved, they were so focused on the mealworms, they temporarily ignoredceach other.

Yeah did the temporary fence where they could get real close to each other and fed them along the fence line for two weeks. Two of the young hens are just being bullies to the new older hens during feeding time. I spread the food over different areas but the young hens leave their food just to chase the others away from their food. They mostly just grab onto the others tail feathers. They have over 1/2 acre to roam around on and I let them out into the woodsy 40 if I am around to baby sit them from predators. New hen house is 7x7x7ft tall. It has four 4ft perches stepped up starting at just over a foot up to 5 ft.Has a huge 10 compartment nesting box with perches on the outside as well. Two of the young hens go in there on their own to lay but prefer the little tiny coop to sleep in with their sisters. 4 in the little coop! New older hens came with decent size coop and sleep there! Maybe put the young bullies in the new coop with a fence around it for a few days and hide their old small coop!