Integration

[Gigi17]

What @aart said.

With three weeks, you could be already fully integrated, but that takes a bunch of space and a set up you don't yet have. It will come with time.

"Abundance is a social lubricant". Having lots of space - such as the opportunity to free range together (or run away successfully if there is friction), the opportunity to feed and drink without crowding for a single source, etc will go a long way towards a successful integration.

Multiple perch heights so that less doinant birds can sleep that way, on lower poles, acknowledges pecking order dynamics. Your run looks relatively small, a single aggressive hen could probably dominate the whole area. Nor is there much in the way of enrichment - perches, short walls to break line of site, a frame "ladder" tubes, etc to give them things to do in the run when they are constrained there.

As time and funds permit, I'd look to enlarge the run in the future, both for later integrations, and for any time where the whole of the flock can't free range and is contained in the run for an extended period - such as during multi-day incliment weather conditions. You dodn't mention where you are (or I read right past it), so I don't know if you might see seasonal flooding or long periods of heavy snowfall where you are at - both encourage larger runs and creative landscaping to encourage water away from your chicken house and grounds.

Thank you! I have to agree my setup is lacking. I was told by someone else get chickens they are easy and they don’t take much space. Well needless to say I have learned that is all wrong. These are pets to me. We live in Houston so it gets extremely hot. We are getting ready to install misters on a timer to help cool off my girls. Im also looking into a class to take on chicken 101. Any and all advise is welcome as I’ve been reading non stop since I started. I do have plans to increase the size of the pen and have put in a roosting tree since that picture. I will also be putting in roost under the coop and increasing shade. Seriously if you think of something else please let me know. I do not want to fail my girls