Integrating new pullets?

[Cha Cha Chicken]

I was thinking about getting a few more pullets...... any tips on integration?

 

[Frost Homestead]

you're going to want to quarantine any new ones for a while before you try to integrate them into your current flock. I would suggest putting them in a situation where both groups can see each other but are separated by a barrier of some kind that way they get a chance to get used to each other before being put in the same area where there could be potential for picking and attacks.

 

[cackleberrycoop]

It helps to introduce at least two at a time; loners are easy targets. Also, I often get away with just slipping the new comers onto the roosts at night, after everyone else is settled in for the night. Somehow, having the new birds on the roost in the morning when everyone "wakes up" seems to lessen the tension.

 

[SunnyChic]

Quote:
Introducing the new ones at night on the roost has worked well for me, too. I check on them often throughout the first days, and also just sit and observe the "flock dynamics". Sometimes they can get aggressive when establishing the new pecking order, but as long as no blood is drawn and everyone is getting access to food and water, I don't interfere. If the bossy ones are guarding food/water, I'll add another feeder/waterer so the more timid ones can eat/drink freely.