Introducing new birds

[Clucking_In_Michigan]

So to make a long story short, I purchased 10 babies from a small Michigan hatchery last November and have not had the best of luck. Of the original 10 I now have 2 left one Barnvelder Roo and a Welsummer hen. Both have terrific dispositions and are very gentle birds (she is an egg laying machine!). As for the others I had to cull 3 due to them being roosters and the rest of the hens had died mysteriously at various ages from 1 week of age all the way to 6 months of age for my last Olive eggar . They were all raised on Medicated feed and always had clean bedding and fresh food / water and seemed very healthy until their untimely ends. So the losses remain a mystery. I purchased 8 pullets from Family Farm and Home (they get their chicks from Townline Hatchery in Zeeland, MI) and have had 100% better luck, zero losses and all seem very healthy, they are now 9 weeks old. I am planning to introduce the new crew to my last 2 survivors this weekend and am looking for recommendations. I am figuring that the sheer number of new birds should help to alleviate issues with any major bullying and am planning to do the 'nighttime surprise' introduction. I am looking for any suggestions / input about how to do this and reduce the chances of any major issues.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

yes, because of the number i wouldnt worry much. just put them together at night and be there at daylight. what small hatchery did you first order from?

 

[Clucking_In_Michigan]

yes, because of the number i wouldnt worry much. just put them together at night and be there at daylight. what small hatchery did you first order from?

Got them from The Funky Chicken in Vestaburg

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

Got them from The Funky Chicken in Vestaburg

ok, never heard of them. if you're looking for more chicks ever i can give you some good suggestions, i'm friends with or know countless michigan breeders

 

[Chikibabymom]

So to make a long story short, I purchased 10 babies from a small Michigan hatchery last November and have not had the best of luck. Of the original 10 I now have 2 left one Barnvelder Roo and a Welsummer hen. Both have terrific dispositions and are very gentle birds (she is an egg laying machine!). As for the others I had to cull 3 due to them being roosters and the rest of the hens had died mysteriously at various ages from 1 week of age all the way to 6 months of age for my last Olive eggar . They were all raised on Medicated feed and always had clean bedding and fresh food / water and seemed very healthy until their untimely ends. So the losses remain a mystery. I purchased 8 pullets from Family Farm and Home (they get their chicks from Townline Hatchery in Zeeland, MI) and have had 100% better luck, zero losses and all seem very healthy, they are now 9 weeks old. I am planning to introduce the new crew to my last 2 survivors this weekend and am looking for recommendations. I am figuring that the sheer number of new birds should help to alleviate issues with any major bullying and am planning to do the 'nighttime surprise' introduction. I am looking for any suggestions / input about how to do this and reduce the chances of any major issues.

Have they all seen eachother before or will this be the first time they ever interact? I think as long as they’re all around the same size the older two shouldn’t be able to cause any harm if they do peck at eachother. Good luck! I hope all goes well

 

[Clucking_In_Michigan]

Have they all seen eachother before or will this be the first time they ever interact? I think as long as they’re all around the same size the older two shouldn’t be able to cause any harm if they do peck at eachother. Good luck! I hope all goes well

This will be their first time seeing each other, I have been keeping the newbies isolated from the existing flock. Size wise they are close, just a bit smaller at this point. I expect that are starting to hit that growth spurt where they will catch up quick!

 

[Clucking_In_Michigan]

ok, never heard of them. if you're looking for more chicks ever i can give you some good suggestions, i'm friends with or know countless michigan breeders

Awesome! as we expand our flock I will keep that in mind. Thanks!

 

[Sally PB]

i'm friends with or know countless michigan breeders

@crazy4ChickensNducks, do you happen to know Chick Depot in Gladwin? (Not trying to hijack the thread!!)

 

[aart]

Putting them in at night might work......or not.
Make sure you are down there at first light in case of trouble.
...and have a Plan B.

How old are the chicks?
How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.

Here's some tips about......
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.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

@crazy4ChickensNducks, do you happen to know Chick Depot in Gladwin? (Not trying to hijack the thread!!)

i do! roberta (the owner) is the nicest and most knowledgeable lady youll ever meet! i know her quite well. she just did my npip testing for me on sunday actually! just know she is extremely busy this time of year so it may take her a little longer to respond to messages.