- May 7, 2009
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We have six hens. Four original (from chicks) and two new.
The four original are 2 RIR's and 2 Delawares.
The two new are a Barred Rock and Red Frizzle.
After quarantine.......
This is my integration process so far. Would really like any advise to better this process.
All hens same age (approx. 4 months)
First day: 4 original free-ranged for the day. 2 new in the coop and run alone. The 4 original came around and checked them out but not much than that.
Nightfall, put the 4 original in with the 2 new at dark. The 2 new roosted high and the 4 original stayed low. No problems.
Second day: Went out at dawn and put out 3 original and left the lowest pecking order hen in the coop/run with the new 2.
Nightfall, the 2 new and the lowest hen were roosting high together and the 3 original low.
Third day: Let out 3 original to free-range and left lowest hen and new 2 in coop/run.
(This is today). But, not at dawn. I left them in for a couple hours before letting them out and all seemed to be getting along. Nothing amiss.
What I am thinking for tonight is to put the 3 original in the coop/run before nightfall and supervise. See if any squabbles take place. My only concern in that tomorrow rain/thunderstorm is in the forecast and I can't let the others out to free-range so all will need to be in coop/run.
I have two waterers and two feeders also, just in case the new ones get pushed away from the food.
My large Delaware hen is the head of the pecking order (it seems) as everyone follows her. She is my main concern with the new one's as the others seem to be okay.
Any tips?
The four original are 2 RIR's and 2 Delawares.
The two new are a Barred Rock and Red Frizzle.
After quarantine.......
This is my integration process so far. Would really like any advise to better this process.
All hens same age (approx. 4 months)
First day: 4 original free-ranged for the day. 2 new in the coop and run alone. The 4 original came around and checked them out but not much than that.
Nightfall, put the 4 original in with the 2 new at dark. The 2 new roosted high and the 4 original stayed low. No problems.
Second day: Went out at dawn and put out 3 original and left the lowest pecking order hen in the coop/run with the new 2.
Nightfall, the 2 new and the lowest hen were roosting high together and the 3 original low.
Third day: Let out 3 original to free-range and left lowest hen and new 2 in coop/run.
(This is today). But, not at dawn. I left them in for a couple hours before letting them out and all seemed to be getting along. Nothing amiss.
What I am thinking for tonight is to put the 3 original in the coop/run before nightfall and supervise. See if any squabbles take place. My only concern in that tomorrow rain/thunderstorm is in the forecast and I can't let the others out to free-range so all will need to be in coop/run.
I have two waterers and two feeders also, just in case the new ones get pushed away from the food.
My large Delaware hen is the head of the pecking order (it seems) as everyone follows her. She is my main concern with the new one's as the others seem to be okay.
Any tips?
