Integrating new flock into older flock

[LoriCx3sons]

I tried to integrated my 14 week old barred rock hens and my 14 week old beilfeilder rooster in with my nine month old ISA browns and cinnamon queens. There was the usual shenanigans. One of the ISAs was constantly attacking them so we removed her from the flock and placed into a separate coop. Of course there was the chasing down of the younger by the older and a few pecks. My husband decided he wanted to put the younger ones back into their small coop and try again over the next few weeks for a couple of hours at a time. I think that is a mistake. I feel we should have left them in with the older ones and keep the bully separated for 5-7 days. Need some insight on the best way to do this. Thanks.

 

[DobieLover]

The best way to do this is with a "look don't touch" setup for everyone to get accustomed to each other without any harassment. After 7-10 days of this, the new ones are allowed out into the run while the original flock is locked in the coop so the new ones can explore the new environment. After an hour, the originals are let out and they can now intermingle as they wish.
The run should be large enough with enough things in it to keep everyone occupied. Lots of branches, stools, stumps, pallets, etc. to perch on, organic substate on the ground to scratch through and feeders scattered as far apart as possible so everyone can get enough food. Two water sources at opposite ends of the run is good for the same reason.
Only intervene if someone is injured more than a little peck which can get bloody if it's on a comb or wattle.
The more space, the better.
The coop should also offer as close to 12" of linear roost space per bird. More is better. Roost time is brutal.
It will take months for full integration. They will exist as 2 distinct sub-flocks until all hit puberty and start laying.

 

[LoriCx3sons]

The best way to do this is with a "look don't touch" setup for everyone to get accustomed to each other without any harassment. After 7-10 days of this, the new ones are allowed out into the run while the original flock is locked in the coop so the new ones can explore the new environment. After an hour, the originals are let out and they can now intermingle as they wish.
The run should be large enough with enough things in it to keep everyone occupied. Lots of branches, stools, stumps, pallets, etc. to perch on, organic substate on the ground to scratch through and feeders scattered as far apart as possible so everyone can get enough food. Two water sources at opposite ends of the run is good for the same reason.
Only intervene if someone is injured more than a little peck which can get bloody if it's on a comb or wattle.
The more space, the better.
The coop should also offer as close to 12" of linear roost space per bird. More is better. Roost time is brutal.
It will take months for full integration. They will exist as 2 distinct sub-flocks until all hit puberty and start laying.

Thanks for the great insight. Will attempt this. Hopefully won’t come out to find dead babies.

 

[aart]

How many birds in how much space?
Dimensions and pics of coop and run would help us help you.

Here 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]

One of the problems with putting in new birds into an established flock and their coop is that the newbies are stranger. AND they are in a strange place, with everyone attacking them, very frightening.

I have had very good success with moving the old birds outside, into the yard or free ranging, during the day. Then locking the newbies into the coop/run. This lets them explore this new territory without being chased for their lives. Do this for two or three days, and add a couple of older birds (not the whole flock). for a couple of days, then let them all hang out together.

It is basically a see no touch, but you don't have to build anything.

Mrs K

 

[mrbillwej]

The best way to do this is with a "look don't touch" setup for everyone to get accustomed to each other without any harassment. After 7-10 days of this, the new ones are allowed out into the run while the original flock is locked in the coop so the new ones can explore the new environment. After an hour, the originals are let out and they can now intermingle as they wish.
The run should be large enough with enough things in it to keep everyone occupied. Lots of branches, stools, stumps, pallets, etc. to perch on, organic substate on the ground to scratch through and feeders scattered as far apart as possible so everyone can get enough food. Two water sources at opposite ends of the run is good for the same reason.
Only intervene if someone is injured more than a little peck which can get bloody if it's on a comb or wattle.
The more space, the better.
The coop should also offer as close to 12" of linear roost space per bird. More is better. Roost time is brutal.
It will take months for full integration. They will exist as 2 distinct sub-flocks until all hit puberty and start laying.

Is it possible to have more than one rooster in a in a flock and have them get along?

 

[DobieLover]

Is it possible to have more than one rooster in a in a flock and have them get along?

Possible but very rare especially if there is already a resident male running the flock.
Sometimes brothers grow up and get along but often times that changes at some point.
If there is enough space for the birds to separate out into sub flocks they can sometimes make it work. This works best with more than one coop.

 

[Mrs. K]

The more roosters you have, the greater the chance of it going wrong. It might work forever, or for just a while or never. Always have a plan B ready to go when you have roosters.