Integration question (sorry for the long post)

[lutherpug]

I've integrated new birds into a flock before but the dynamics of this next integration will be new for me so I'd like to solicit some advice-

Current flock is 23 pullets 15-17 weeks old. Coop size is 120 sq ft and they have a 600 sq ft run.

I've hatched eggs and have a mix of 12 bantam and standard size birds ranging from 8-14 weeks old. They are currently in a large divided brooder with the 14 week olds separated from the 8 week olds. Over the next several weeks I will work to integrate them into a single flock and rehome the birds I won't be keeping. I'm still waiting for some of the roosters to reveal themselves before I make final decisions.

The end game here is for me to integrate 6-8 of these youngsters into my big coop. The "new" birds will include 2 roosters as well as a mix of standards and bantams and my questions are specific to the dynamics of introducing bantams and roosters to a flock of standard sized pullets.

1. I'm worried about the bantams, specifically the silkies. In the past I've made liberal use of "vertical" escapes such as platforms, benches, etc so the new birds had ways to escape, separate food sources, etc. I don't see this working with the silkies, although I will absolutely do this anyway for the other new birds.
2. Does the addition of the roosters change things at all? I'm hoping (probably naively) that the addition of the boys will somehow abate the terrorizing of the new girls.

FWIW, I am planning to build a small coop inside of my run where I can partition off an area for an extended period of "see but don't touch" so they can get used to each other. I don't really have the floor space to be able to do this in my existing coop.

Any other thoughts? The silkies are my big concern. I'm currently planning on keeping 2 pullets and 1 cockerel from that group. Has anyone successfully integrated silkies with their existing flocks?

 

[nchls school]

The end game here is for me to integrate 6-8 of these youngsters into my big coop. The "new" birds will include 2 roosters as well as a mix of standards and bantams and my questions are specific to the dynamics of introducing bantams and roosters to a flock of standard sized pullets.Better to have one or no rooster.

1. I'm worried about the bantams, specifically the silkies. In the past I've made liberal use of "vertical" escapes such as platforms, benches, etc so the new birds had ways to escape, separate food sources, etc. I don't see this working with the silkies, although I will absolutely do this anyway for the other new birds.For breeds that don't fly provide a "ground" roost. A nest box. A 4x4. A large rock. Anything low to the ground that the birds can roost on/or in.
2. Does the addition of the roosters change things at all? I'm hoping (probably naively) that the addition of the boys will somehow abate the terrorizing of the new girls. Won't work-may make it worse. Roosters are unnecessary unless you plan on raising chicks. Many roosters fight; sometimes until one is dead. Extra roosters can be very hard on hens during mating-roosters don't take no for an answer.

FWIW, I am planning to build a small coop inside of my run where I can partition off an area for an extended period of "see but don't touch" so they can get used to each other. I don't really have the floor space to be able to do this in my existing coop.Good idea.

Any other thoughts? The silkies are my big concern. I'm currently planning on keeping 2 pullets and 1 cockerel from that group. Has anyone successfully integrated silkies with their existing flocks?[/QUOTE]
Yes. My silkies get along with the larger and smaller flock members.

 

[lutherpug]

Thanks for the reply. I have several reasons for wanting to keep 2 roosters-

1. I think it will be incredibly difficult to rehome all of them and I am not set up for a rooster bachelor pad.
2. 30 hens and 2 roosters doesn't seem like too many from an over breeding standpoint.
3. The roosters have basically been raised together and everyone is still sexually immature at this point, including my main flock of 23.
4. I know it isn't necessary but I would like to keep a bantam and a standard. I have my eyes on one of the silkies and a gorgeous standard size frizzle.

All of that said, I'll add that if the 2 roosters become mortal enemies either one of them will have to go or I will keep separate flocks for bantams and standards. Glad to hear that your silkies are integrated into your flock-did you introduce them to your existing flock when they were younger?

I'm hoping to get this second coop done in the next few weeks while everyone is still immature.

 

[aart]

I would make separate long term housing for the the bantams...then you keep the bantam cockerel separate too.
.....and remember these males are babies, young cockerels, they won't be abating any terror, but may be the target and/or cause if it.

I'd definitely advise that you go for the long term 'see no touch' option.
Frigid winter not the greatest time to be integrating, reduces your options for the needed 'space' that can make integration so much easier.

 

[nchls school]

All of that said, I'll add that if the 2 roosters become mortal enemies either one of them will have to go or I will keep separate flocks for bantams and standards. Glad to hear that your silkies are integrated into your flock-did you introduce them to your existing flock when they were younger?
They were integrated as adults, but with a free range scenario. Your plan sounds good.