Introducing new chickens to old chickens

[rhinestonecowchick]

Hi, I need help! I have had chickens for the past 8 years. Only a few at a time. I currently have 3 hens; 2 of them are around 5 years old and one is 3 years old. I also have 2 cochins who are 5 months old. One is a rooster and one is a hen. I am hoping to raise 3 or 4 more cochins. Right now, the 3 older hens are in a henhouse and the 2 young ones are in a horse stall and are free to roam about all day. I would like to get them all in the henhouse enclosure at night, but when I tried it a month ago, the old hens really went after the other 2 young ones. Should I try again and let them all fend for themselves? Also, do you think the older hens will have anything to do with the rooster? I guess I have a lot of questions, and I really hope to get suggestions from you folks who have had so much experience with chickens.

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us! From what I've read on this forum, you should put the younger ones in an enclosure next to the established ones, so that they each know the other ones are there.
So that they can see each other, and get used to one another that way, for a few days to a week. Then try again to integrate the two flocks. This is the best, and safest way to go. Let us know how they are doing. Best of luck to you.

 

[darkroo]

I'm a newby but have mixed two age groups together with a difference. I have 5 banties and bought two full size hens that are 8 weeks younger but almost the same size but still talking baby talk. I put an inpromto run next to the main run and kept them seperate for over 2 weeks. I did let them range together for a couple of hours a day I had the new girls on meds because one of them had the sniffles. It was really curious because the girl who was the lowest on the pecking order amoung the banties was the one who went out of her way to chase the new girls. I think she has some game bird in her because she can be really tall when she is not being submissive I've always thought she might challange the pecking order and the new girls have given her the chance to try. My head girl seems to be really smart and only puts others in their place when nessassary. Good luck with your mix paticance and attentiveness I guess are alway important.

 

[texasgal]

Can't answer your question but a big Texas size

 

[rancher hicks]

Right now I'm trying to incorporate 2 older Marans with 4 younger. One is a roo. They've been next to each other in a divided coop for some time. I've put a nest box in so the older can lay their eggs. I put them together at night, let them range outside and the only place they can go at night is in the coop together.
I incorporated 5 older Delaware with 20 or so younger hens and one rd. bant. friz roo. Started with the hens first but kept the roo outside and in his own pen for few days. They usually hang around the run like they want in.
Eventually I put them in with each other at night. Well the 2 roos are ok with each other. though they take turns knocking each other off a hen now and then.
It can be done you just gotta be patient and give them plenty of space.
Oh and

What took you so long?

 

[michelle1017]

 

[chickenmeadow]

Welcome to the groop! There is so much great info here at BYC & so many great perspectives to learn from & share with. I always put the newbees in the coop at night & am sure to open the coop door fairly early in the morning to let them all out. Prior to that, the new ones have short day visits (a couple of hours or so) with the older ones, on a day when I am home to check on them. Then they get to know each other a little. They must go thru their own pecking order, I can't help them on that. But, if one is being hurt badly to blood, then they get removed til the next day visit. It works best when there are distractions in the yard for the older ones like their favorite treats, sprouted wheat, yogurt/kefir, scratch or even better things that they can work on for the day like grape vines & leaves, corn husks & corn or pea vines with leaves. A Flock Block from the feed store will really keep them busy. Best wishes to you!

 

[eaganchickens]

from MN!