Integrating two flocks that have lived in separate coops on the same property

[ldrumm]

We have had two flocks on our property for about two years. One flock lives on the upper part, and one lives on the lower part. They have been very happy. When free ranging, they sometimes meet in the middle to say hello, but always go back to their respective coops at night. My question is this: My children have ordered some easter eggers from McMurray hatchery, which will be here in late April. I would like to move all of my older hens together into one coop, and use the second for our new arrivals. Is it possible to teach the hens to move to a new home on the same property? I realize that their will be some integrating issues, but will they adjust to the new living arrangements, and go in at night to their new home? Or will they wander back up to their old home, and possibly have some run ins with the newbies?

I know that I should leave them in the coop for many nights before ever thinking about letting them out, but is it conceivable to try this? Our alternative, I suppose is to build a third coop. Or try to integrate the babies once they are old enough.

Thank you for any help!!

 

[brahmabreeder]

I would just throw them all in one coop and then only let them out in the run if they have one. Eventually they will be fine with each other. They will learn that that is there coop eventually. I have seven coops

and am constantly moving birds to new coops. They haven't ever wondered to the old coop.

 

[centrarchid]

After dark transfer one flock into coop of other. Keep both confined to coop for a few days and if possible block off other coop when combined flock released. Combined flock will quickly adopt a larger foraging range than peviously occupied by smaller flock in same location as eats will otherwise become more limiting.

 

[Lynzi777]

I'm thinking of doing this with the small flock of 3 and 2 that I currently have in separate coops. I want to use the one my two orpington hens are in for ducks that I want to get and I want to move the two orps in with the three silkies (a roo and two hens). Not sure if this is even a good idea considering the two breeds but they all free range together out in the yard, just keep their distance from each other. I've never had an issue with either attacking the other.