Integration - how much does size matter

[Cryss]

Ah, yes, too soon. As long as they dan see each other for a good time period they will begin to get used to each other. Feeding them both right near each other helps too. Very social animals and eating is a huge part of that. I sprinkle treats all around the cage perimeter inside and out in the afternoon as I call to them. This way they have to get really close to each other to share food. They often will reach their heads through the cage to get the others treat. That's a good sign and they can retreat if they get pecked. I call to them so they learn that my call is a good thing, usually means a good treat, so they will always come running to my call.

 

[Juliamcda]

Good idea on sprinkling treats around the cage. Yes as soon as I walk out to the coop Robin and Lilly come running, even if they are out in the yard, they know I represent good stuff. Squeaky the new hen she is so sweet, I can pick her up without issue. Thank you for responding to my questions.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Ok, so I see you've only had her a couple of days, so I'd definitely give them more "see but don't touch" time before letting them interact.

In the meantime see about adding more "junk" in the areas they frequent - doesn't have to be anything fancy, if you have just yard stuff lying around that's fairly safe (nothing with sharp edges or points or that chickens shouldn't be getting into) like unused patio furniture, empty flower pots, pallets, etc then I'd move it over there so the new girl can use them as hiding spots if needed when the time comes.

I would still expect some pecking and fighting when they finally do meet face to face again. As long as it's not severe I'd keep an eye on it, but not interfere, as they need to sort out for themselves what the pecking order will be. It would be best if you had at least 2 feeders/food sources available at that time, placed far apart, since food is an obvious source of conflict.

 

[aart]

Size matters for the coop....coop's small for 3 birds,
especially when integrating a single bird.

This might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/

 

[Juliamcda]

Size matters for the coop....coop's small for 3 birds,
especially when integrating a single bird.

This might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/

Thank you for the article, I really enjoyed it. You think the coop area to small for 3 chickens? I have been told the size would be ok for 4 chickens. I do let them out daily to range in the yard.

 

[Mrs. K]

After a week, what I would do, is put the two where you have the new bird, and put the new bird where you have the two. This seems to lower the territorial aspect a bit to see the new bird in their home set up, and cannot get too her.

Out in the yard, that is where I would put the hide outs, the roosts, the mini walls, that is where I would feed an water them. Several different spots.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

You think the coop area to small for 3 chickens?

Yes, I do.
But it might work out fine for you,
tho the tight space will make it harder to integrate the new bird.

 

[Juliamcda]

After a week, what I would do, is put the two where you have the new bird, and put the new bird where you have the two. This seems to lower the territorial aspect a bit to see the new bird in their home set up, and cannot get too her.

Out in the yard, that is where I would put the hide outs, the roosts, the mini walls, that is where I would feed an water them. Several different spots.

Mrs K

Mrs K thank you for the advice. I think it a good idea to switch the pens around I will try this next week. I intend to clutter up the coop for hiding spots after I put some new dirt in before I attempt to integrate. Have a good day.