Integration Help

[Dhinshaw]

I have a one year old her (Brown ISA), that I am wanting to integrate into a co-op and run with a newer flock of 5 hens (Wyndottes and Cochin), and 1 rooster (Black Laced Wyndotte). They are all approximately 6 months old. What is the best and appropriate way to do this so that is doesn't cause any aggression?
Thanks!

 

[aart]

Single bird integrations are the toughest.
Are they in separate coops and runs now?
Tell us a bit more about your set up...dimensions and pics always help.

But here's some tips:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/

....and.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Dhinshaw]

They are in separate coops/runs now, and are not in visible distance. The combining coop with run is approximately a 10 x 20 ft run with 2 rows of nesting boxes outside and a 4 x 5 attached coop with 3 nesting boxes.
Thanks!

 

[Soy Milano]

Gradual is always the best way, making sure to supervise them the whole time. But there are different methods. Here is a good infographic which shows you your options - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/caring-for-newly-adopted-chicken