introducing my hens to neighbors flock

[laruec]

I have a give away my chickens- I am in trouble with my town, as I do not have the land required to keep my chickens. However, my neighbors do, and I am going to give them my hens.

I have 5 hens, and my neighbors have 12. They will have 17 when it's done. I"ve read that the best TIME to introduce new hens is at night, in the dark. This makes sense. What I am wondering is what is the best NUMBER to introduce at once. Should I introduce all 5 of mine to her 12 on the same night, or should I do it one or two at a time?

Please comment if you have experience or ideas! I want my hens to have a new home that is peaceful and welcoming (as possible anyway).

 

[Chickenmaven]

I would try a pen within a pen, so they can get used to eachother.

I use this Day Tractor to introduce young birds.

 

[oldchickenlady]

I truly don't know the real answer here, and maybe I ought to keep my mouth shut, but...I would think all at once would be better for your girls, that way the other chickens won't have one 'new' chicken to single out. Also, yours would have each other for moral support and company. I don't know if that makes sense, but it seems reasonable to me. Safety in numbers.

 

[laruec]

safety in numbers- I was thinking that too... I think we will try all 5 at once then. Seeing as the neighbor has 12!

 

[elmo]

I agree. It's extremely hard for a single chicken to join a flock, kind of like being the new kid at school, only worse.

 

[gryeyes]

And don't split up the five into two groups, either - all five at once, or the whole pecking order thing will have to occur with each new addition.

So sorry you have to get rid of your chickens.

 

[cbeth95]

Try reading this. It helped me out a lot.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-adding-to-your-flock