Introducing chickens

[mae.wes]

Hi there!

We are getting 2 chickens (Isa Browns) from one flock and 4 (2 Australorps and 2 Buff Orps) from another. Both groups will be new to our place. How should we introduce them to each other?

Thanks!

 

[Imp]

mae.wes :

Hi there!

We are getting 2 chickens (Isa Browns) from one flock and 4 (2 Australorps and 2 Buff Orps) from another. Both groups will be new to our place. How should we introduce them to each other?

Thanks!

The quick answer is very carefully. There probably will be some discord. You will want to be there to separate if there is a chance of injury.

Conventional wisdom is to keep them separate, but able to see one another for a few days to a few weeks. They will get used to each other. ie- a wire fence between.

Put them together at night. In the dark they will roost together and wake up together.

Remove any bullies to chicken jail. That will shake up the flock dynamics.

Imp- Good luck​