Integrating new flock with older flock

[Tlco]

Ok some of you may have read my previous post on getting some new hens age 4 mo old. I have a smaller flock aprox 5 mo old with a rooster who is about 1 to 2 yrs old. Each flock have there own space but free range in our yard. They usually stay simi close to each other but not together. No fights or any other signs of bad behavior. Sometime the older flock will go in the new comers coop, but the new flock does not venture far from their coop. We have had everybody free range now bor about 2 weeks together. Now for the question...How much longer should i keep them separated in 2 diff coops? The coops are not close to each other different sides of the back yard. TIA for your help.

 

[FluffTheDuck]

I would give it 3 more weeks, make sure to check the new and old chickens for any injuries that the other chickens may have caused. It depends, really. If one chicken gets injured, that adds 5 more weeks, if not, 2 weeks.

 

[aart]

I wouldn't rush it....unless, is there a reason to do so?

For others interested here the rest of the story:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/introducing-new-3-5-month-old-pullets.1292383/

What does your 12x12'(?) main coop look like inside?
Pics would help.
I'd add separate roosts for the newbies, that should make them 'moving in' easier.

 

[Tlco]

I wouldn't rush it....unless, is there a reason to do so?

For others interested here the rest of the story:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/introducing-new-3-5-month-old-pullets.1292383/

What does your 12x12'(?) main coop look like inside?
Pics would help.
I'd add separate roosts for the newbies, that should make them 'moving in' easier.

The coop is 12x12x12, roosts are 2 old stainlees steel ladders and another roost bar, 4 nesting boxes that also have roosting bars. Feed hangs from ceiling. Top 1/2 portions of coop is closed in with sheet panels botton is open hardware clothe plenty of room for scratching. Its very cold out till the weekend so will try and get photos then. Chickens free range everyday unless is pouring rain, from noon till dusk. Hope that helps for now. The only rush is if I am not home my 78 yr old mother goes out to let em in and out. Its a little much for her to have the two separate coops.

 

[aart]

How cold is "very cold"...metal roosts aren't a good idea in a cold climate.

 

[Tlco]

How cold is "very cold"...metal roosts aren't a good idea in a cold climate.

I am in central tx, we get snow once in a blue moon. We have had a very mild winter this yr up till this week. We will have 3 or 4 days on the 30s for the nights and higher 30s for the days. Then we go back to 70/80s this weekend. We very rarely have freezing weather for too many days. I do have a heat light should we ever need to heat the coop. So far haven't used it this winter.

 

[Mariyam Abbas]

Hello,

Its been a week since I have brought a new hen which was laying egg with my old flock of 3 younger hens. But this new hen whom I call patties hadn't layed eggs in first two days and after that she layed eggs twice but ate them. She fights with my old flock and not only this it has been 4 days that she hasn't lay any egg. Is everything okay with patties?