Introducing new chickens to older chickens

[Kennas Mom10]

We have 2 RIR/Dominique cross hens that are 8 months old. In a few weeks we will be combining them with our younger flock of 13 (Easter Eggers, Silver Laced Wyandottes and Red Sex Links), once they are all on the same food. There are 5 Roos and 8 Pullets in the younger flock. They have been living in side by side runs since April. The runs actually share a wall/side. So my question is, what is the best way to combine them? By the way, we are going to take down a section of the shared side, combining the two runs into one, that can be sectioned off as needed.

 

[gryeyes]

You're already mostly there.

They have all seen, heard and possibly even sparred a little through that shared fence wall. They are no longer strangers to each other, so the only real issue is the pecking order once you combine them.

Make sure you keep separate feeders and waterers so the "seniors" can't block the "juniors" from them.

Keep an eye out for injuries; as long as there is no blood drawn, the chasing, feather pulling, squawking, and skirmishes ARE NORMAL. Do not intervene - unless there are injuries - or the whole process will be prolonged.

Enjoy your combined flock in a few weeks!