Introducing chickens again

[lalalandchickens]

Last summer I got another 2 chickens to add to my small flock of 3. The introduction went well. Separated them but could see each other for about a week or so. Then mixed then was a carnage but no blood shed and the new birds had plenty of hiding places and multiple food sections. Now they are all getting along loverly top hen stayed in charged.

1 chicken (old ex bat hen) died a few weeks ago and I want to add a few more to the flock. I have a run of 100sq and big enough coop.

Am wondering if I add 4 chickens at once would I need to still do the look no touch method? So would be doubling the flock so the original 4 can't gang up on say 2 birds. Again multiple food and water stations will be added. And more higher perches in the run found the newer chickens liked to be high up off the ground when I integrated the last 2.

I fully expect the pecking order to change completely if am honest will be exciting to see (minus the fighting) to see if Ethel will keep her top hen spot.

 

[lalalandchickens]

I have 2 ex bats and 2 black rocks and thinking of adding a new mix of 4 maybe
Buff Orpington
Maybe a Leghhorn
Light Sussex
Maybe a silkie

 

[DobieLover]

Yes, you still need to do the 'look don't touch' period of acclimation for a week or so.
You had squabbling with the first integration and you will have it again with this one.
You have enough space for a harmonious flock but it's tight for an integration.
Can you post pictures of your coop and run?

PS - I would not add a Silkie to that mix. Stick to all LF breeds.

 

[lalalandchickens]

I will try dig out a picture but it's changed a bit since last pic but can get a general idea

 

[lalalandchickens]

It's changed alot got lots of various branches and logs dust bath was under the shelter but I've moved it...may move it again but you get the general idea...mmm could maybe even have the 4 new ones in the shelter section maybe?

 

[aart]

Where do they sleep at night, under the grass roofed box?
Would be good to see current pics.

Would be good to know....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Mrs. K]

This is what I would do, I would let the old girls out into the yard, put the new ones in the coop/run. This lets them explore the area without being chased. It also lets the olds ones see them in there and the sky does not fall. If you can feed next to the fence line.

Then as close to dark as possible, let the old ones in. The urge to roost will be about as strong as the urge to fight. But adding nearly equal number of birds will really help, if they are fairly close to the same size. If they are much smaller, a safety zone, where the littles can get out of reach of the oldies is very helpful.

Mrs K

 

[lalalandchickens]

They did used to sleep in a small coop in the run but now they sleep in an old brick shed its oppitsite the run find a pic if I caneed.

 

[lalalandchickens]

But now it's all set up for the chickens the empty window is filled in with mesh and we now have roosts along the walls of the shed am in the UK I need to sort that on my profile