Integration new additons: barrier or sneak 'em onto the roost in the dark?

[My1stChickens]

The coop is 11x13, and divided into two areas. I did this because the next two days we expect freezing rain, snow and more rain- so they won’t be going out. And I actually felt the new girls would have more room if I combined them, than if they were locked into the quarantine tractor. The new girls got the small half but they have egg boxes, roosting space, floor space. The existing flock have their favorite roosts and more floor space. The wire fencing panel can be adjustable to let one group access the door/pen at a time. The new girls got a small section of the pen and the old girls got the other 75% of it. But honestly, I don't see this as long term. I just need them contained while they get used to the new arrangements.

They were out for several hours today even though it’s only in the 30’s. They did not fight through the fence. My existing hens actually congregated as far as possible from the new hens.

It took a little bit of effort to get the new girls in. Then I changed the access and hoped the old girls would come in just to get out of the wind and cold but no such luck-- they made me work to get them in. Maybe because I wanted everyone in well before dusk.

Excuse the poor pictures but at least it gives an idea of the pen, and the divided coop. Once they get along reasonably well outside, I'll remove the dividers in the coop. I know they will bicker at bedtime-- I've had the others for 4 years and they still bicker at bedtime.

 

[C. Conner]

It certainly looks like it will work!

 

[My1stChickens]

Today and tomorrow they are all locked into the coop, since we're having really ugly weather. (freezing precipitation, mud, wind, just nasty.) So far they are all quite content, just sharing the coop but separated. With one exception... Hortense (one of the old hens) seems intent on getting over to the other side. I think she wants to access a nesting box, which is pretty silly since she has not laid an egg in months. But in fairness, her comb is bright red.... hopefully if she finds a way to breach the separation, she can hold her own with the new girls. She was easily distracted with some treats and I'll peek in on them every couple hours. In two days, it will be warm and no more rain-- just lots of mud-- but they can go out again.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I did a version of the sneak 'em at night. At chore time I brought over my rooster in the coop (I do that all the time for the entire flock if I need to do something with them). Next day they were all fine.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Today and tomorrow they are all locked into the coop, since we're having really ugly weather. (freezing precipitation, mud, wind, just nasty.) So far they are all quite content, just sharing the coop but separated. With one exception... Hortense (one of the old hens) seems intent on getting over to the other side. I think she wants to access a nesting box, which is pretty silly since she has not laid an egg in months. But in fairness, her comb is bright red.... hopefully if she finds a way to breach the separation, she can hold her own with the new girls. She was easily distracted with some treats and I'll peek in on them every couple hours. In two days, it will be warm and no more rain-- just lots of mud-- but they can go out again.

I leave the pop door open and let mine decide if they want to go our in nasty weather or not. It's sometimes surprising how much bad weather doesn't bother them.

I like your set-up and your approach. I think you will be pleased with how it turns out.

 

[My1stChickens]

I leave the pop door open and let mine decide if they want to go our in nasty weather or not. It's sometimes surprising how much bad weather doesn't bother them.

I like your set-up and your approach. I think you will be pleased with how it turns out.

Thanks Ridgerunner! Normally I would leave the door open too, but since they already have the stress of moving/getting new roommates, I don't want the additional stress of them being cold and wet. The temps have hovered at freezing, +/- a couple degrees. Friday, they can go out. It will be muddy, but the sun is scheduled to reappear and temps up to 50... so even if they get wet feet it should be okay. If it continues to look like a "non event" and they just go to opposite ends of the pen, I'll remove the dividers in the pen. If that goes okay, then I'll remove the coop dividers.

 

[My1stChickens]

Update: Today I moved some of the temporary dividers in the pen- really just because I did not have time to remove them altogether. And let them all out. Now remember this is 6 original hens and 5 new pullets, and they've seen each other quite a bit. And the pen is almost 2000 square feet. The whole thing was a non event. The only squabbling I saw was between two of the new pullets, who seem to be fighting over who is #last in the pecking order.
Today was the 7th day of preventative Denagard, and I noted that one of the old hens seemed a little lethargic with a bit of pale comb. Made a point to check her several times during the day, and for the rest of the day she was up, alert, active. She also appears to be molting. So I'll just ensure there are protein treats, and discontinue the Denagard as per plan now that it's been 7 days.

They all found their way into the coop and settled on the same roosts they've been using, old girls on the South side, new girls on the North side. I put the barrier back in place, not even sure why but I did. So tomorrow they all go out together, and as time permit's I will remove all the little panels and dividers. I'll continue with multiple feed and water stations.

Overall a really good integration experience that makes me feel a little silly for overthinking it. But I'd rather be prepared, and create a good outcome.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Sometimes it is that easy. Congratulations.