Introducing new chickens to existing flock- only one "coop"...

[mja89]

Hi all,

I've found lots of great information on introducing new birds to an existing flock, and the majority of you wise folk recommend keeping the newbies segregated for a period to allow for a 'peck-free' introduction. That seems totally practical and ideal..

My problem however is that my coop is a flat pack type that we assembled ourselves, and consists of a small meshed-in run underneath with a small wooden house above (all enclosed) suited to 4-5 hens. The typical newb coop. As such, without building or purchasing a separate quarters for the newbies, I really have no way of adjusting the old coop to keep them separated while they get used to each other.

As I have only two girls at the moment, and would only be adding another two, do you think I could get away with doing the old 'pop them in at night and be there at dawn to rescue anyone getting bullied' trick? And then perhaps let the old girls out to free range for the day and leave the new ones in the run for a while (say a week), until safe to let the new ones join the free range life?

If you don't think it will work then I can consider buying/building a simple A-frame for newcomers- any advice would be appreciated!

 

[4 the Birds]

Hi all,

I've found lots of great information on introducing new birds to an existing flock, and the majority of you wise folk recommend keeping the newbies segregated for a period to allow for a 'peck-free' introduction. That seems totally practical and ideal..

My problem however is that my coop is a flat pack type that we assembled ourselves, and consists of a small meshed-in run underneath with a small wooden house above (all enclosed) suited to 4-5 hens. The typical newb coop. As such, without building or purchasing a separate quarters for the newbies, I really have no way of adjusting the old coop to keep them separated while they get used to each other.

As I have only two girls at the moment, and would only be adding another two, do you think I could get away with doing the old 'pop them in at night and be there at dawn to rescue anyone getting bullied' trick? And then perhaps let the old girls out to free range for the day and leave the new ones in the run for a while (say a week), until safe to let the new ones join the free range life?

If you don't think it will work then I can consider buying/building a simple A-frame for newcomers- any advice would be appreciated!

Add the new birds at 7 or 8 weeks of age so that they are big enough to defend themselves. I would also add them in the morning or early in the day along with some food and treats so they can acclimate a bit before roosting. The existing chickens will have an established roost spot and the new birds will need to find a place. Ideally.... I like to make a coop addition and add more roost bars when I add a new batch of chickens to an existing flock. The additional A-frame would be the best way to go but they will be fine as long as your coop is large enough for the expanded flock size.

 

[mja89]

Thanks so much @4 the Birds

Great pic also!

So rather than introduce them at night I can do it in the morning? Giving them a day to get used to each other? I just thought I'd have to keep the new girls locked in the run for a week so they know it's "home"- or will they just follow the old girls back to bed at night?

I guess I'll just make sure I'm home all day in case feathers go flying!

:yiipchick e