Integrating the new chickens

[Jamsies]

I have two Silver laced Wyendottes that are a little over a year old now and got two Rhode Island reds this spring. The RIR's are now about four months old and for the last four days I've been putting them all in a large-ish dog kennel (approx. 5'x10') in preparation for putting them in the chicken tractor (approx 5'x6'). In the kennel they have been fine...I haven't seen any pecking by the SLW's. The RIR's seem to stay on the opposite side of the kennel. Last night I put some fresh greens in the kennel and one of the RIR's cautiously came over to eat some, and it seemed like the SLW's didn't pay any attention to them. How long should I keep putting them together before I try putting them in the chicken tractor? So far, there hasn't seemed to be any issues.

Thanks.

 

[NGT ANGL]

The standard requirements, as I understand it, are 4 square feet per bird inside coop space, and 10 square feet per bird for outside run. I think bantam breeds can do with a little bit smaller s/f space. It sounds like they have plenty of space in the dog kennel since there haven't been any altercations but since the tractor is smaller, I would watch them when you put them together in that. It is natural for there to be some pecking, etc. while they establish a pecking order but watch them - especially in a smaller space - to make sure there isn't excessive picking on and drawing blood. Good luck!

 

[cmom]

I agree with the above post. Likely there won't be problems but since you are putting them in a smaller more confined area I would watch them closely at first.

 

[RIVERA69R]

I am introducing a sex-link to my buff orphington and barred rocks as well I have it in a cage in the run with the others when at work and let it out in the run after work, how much picking on should I allow so they can get it out of there system and establish the order because first sign I step in?

 

[NGT ANGL]

I personally have never had an extreme problem but if it were me, when first blood is drawn, I would intercede. Someone much more in the know about this can probably give you a more precies answer though as I am fairly new to chickens myself.