Introducing my new pullets

[mertzy1963]

I have 3 new started pullets, 16 weeks old, I also have 5 1 year old hens, we have them separated in the run with a partition they can see through, they are all doing great, all are curious to get out, they have been separate for a week, and I really want to get rid of the partition and let them all together, is it safe to do after a week?

 

[newchicks5]

night time always good , then they,ll work it out then. hope you get more answers.

 

[aart]

I have 3 new started pullets, 16 weeks old, I also have 5 1 year old hens, we have them separated in the run with a partition they can see through, they are all doing great, all are curious to get out, they have been separate for a week, and I really want to get rid of the partition and let them all together, is it safe to do after a week?

Maybe....longer might be better, but you can try it and see.
How much space do you have?
Is that your run in your avatar?

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[mertzy1963]

Maybe....longer might be better, but you can try it and see.
How much space do you have?
Is that your run in your avatar?

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Yes that is my setup on my avatar, went ahead and put the new girls in with the rest of the girls last night at bedtime, this morning the big girls came out first, and not long after the young ones came out, they have a spot to get away from the older ones if they need to, and so far, so good, the big girls are very curious, but no major bullying going on, they are even eating out of the same feeder with any issues......so far, so good!!

 

[mertzy1963]

Maybe....longer might be better, but you can try it and see.
How much space do you have?
Is that your run in your avatar?

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Here is a better photo.....

 

[aart]

Sounds good!
that it continues!
Roost time tonite will be telling.
Do the youngers have a separate roost?

Nice coop and run.
Pics of inside?
What is your climate/location?

 

[mertzy1963]

Sounds good!
that it continues!
Roost time tonite will be telling.
Do the youngers have a separate roost?

Nice coop and run.
Pics of inside?
What is your climate/location?

I don't currently have pics of the inside, the roost has 3 levels and is as long as the front of the coop. More than enough room for all the girls.
We are in Wisconsin

 

[aart]

We are in Wisconsin

Oh, I bet you're loving that run in winter, eh?
Do you put up wind/snow block on the walls?
One of my biggest regrets is not having a solid roofed run.

 

[mertzy1963]

Oh, I bet you're loving that run in winter, eh?
Do you put up wind/snow block on the walls?
One of my biggest regrets is not having a solid roofed run.

Yes, I think its perfect for our winters, we put plastic 3/4 the way up all around the run, the girls did very well this past winter.