Introducing new chickens into your flock

[babieecakz]

I've got 2 hens that are just over a yr old that I've gotten from my in laws. I've got 6 chicks that are about 8-10 wks old. I've slowly been introducing the older ones to the young ones. They seem ok out in the yard but when I try to put em in the coop together the older 2 freak out & attack the younger ones. I was wondering if anyone had any useful advise as to how to get em all to get along in the same coop. As of right now, I've sectioned off a small part of the coop for the little ones but would like to be able to have em all in the one coop together. Please any helpful advise would be appreciated.

 

[aart]

You're on the right track by dividing the coop.
Is it divided with some kind of mesh so they can see each other?
That will help everyone get used to seeing each other in the same space.

Most folks don't integrate until the pullets are about the same size as the hens, I'd keep them separated for another month or more.

There's lots of variables to take into consideration as you figure out how to integrate.

-The more room the better.
-Multiple feed/water stations.
-Places the youngers can hide/get away from the olders.

There will always be a pecking order and it takes time for them to figure it all out. As long as none of the pullets are being trapped or bleeding, let them work it out. If you separate then reintroduce they'll have to start over sorting the pecking order.

The longer I've observed them doing what they do, the more confident I become in recognizing the difference between acceptable and not acceptable behaviors......they can appear to be mean as heck, but it's just how they roll. A bird can deliver a seemingly viscous peck and the pecked will run off squawking like death is chasing them..... for about 3 seconds, then go right back to toodeling around like nothing happened.

I learned a lot and got some great ideas by reading to see how others have accomplished integration:
advanced search>titles only> integration

Good Luck and Have Fun!!

 

[babieecakz]

Thank you for the information. I do have screen between them so they can see each other. They free range during the day & when it's raining or night time, they're in the coop. My hubby built a 15x15 housing area for when they need to be inside. Thanks again for the advise, I'll definitely do some more research.

 

[aart]

Thank you for the information. I do have screen between them so they can see each other. They free range during the day & when it's raining or night time, they're in the coop. My hubby built a 15x15 housing area for when they need to be inside. Thanks again for the advise, I'll definitely do some more research.

Oh, that's HUGE! You've got lots to work with...you could build multiple coops in there.

 

[babieecakz]

Yeah, he went a little overboard! LOL building a coop of their own for the younger ones is a possibility but would like to avoid that if possible. Like we've been waiting to see which chicks are Roos/hens, we will have to wait & see what happens when the little ones are bigger.

 

[aart]

Yeah, he went a little overboard! LOL building a coop of their own for the younger ones is a possibility but would like to avoid that if possible. Like we've been waiting to see which chicks are Roos/hens, we will have to wait & see what happens when the little ones are bigger.

No, No, No, he didn't! Shake his hand for me, good job dude!
Most people build way too small and verily regret it later.
You can build partition walls inside out of 2x2's and chicken wire to separate age groups or broodies or bullies or......