Introducing new chickens to the flock

[aart]

Hi, I didn't see any images attached.

Me neither.

@RubiconChicken if you need help attaching pics,
there should be instructions in one of these threads:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3/?prefix_id=3

 

[RubiconChicken]

Me neither.

@RubiconChicken if you need help attaching pics,
there should be instructions in one of these threads:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3/?prefix_id=3

Sorry, didn't realize they didn't fully upload before.. I edited my previous post and they are there now!

My coop is an old shed and it had a pot belly stove in it that was too difficult to take out (hence why it is still there). Coop is 9ftx12ft. Run had the cement blocks and truck cap before it was meant for chickens to store outdoor things I believe. Run is about 20ftx20ft.

 

[Mrs. K]

What I see is your run does not have anything in it. It is just a bare spot. Adding clutter will make more interesting to your birds, getting on top of or underneath, it will provide places to hide or get out of sight of the other birds, and it will make more use of your vertical space. Add some roosts, lean a pallet up against the wall, build a platform.

 

[drumstick diva]

agree with Mrs.K

 

[feathermaid]

Sometimes younger birds are a bit more timid and need time to explore in peace like others have mentioned. They're running back inside because that's where they feel safe. Can you let your bigger birds out to free range while the younger ones explore the run and build confidence?

It also looks like the cinder blocks are creating a bottle-neck situation at the coop entrance. Can you remove a section (or column) on each side to make 2 more doorways or escape routes? Then you could reuse those blocks to make a roost out in the run, if you have a couple 2x4s or long branches to slip through the holes in the cinder blocks. Something like this:

Or you could even make 2 separate ones.

Here's a few more ideas from the internet:


I agree that you need more "stuff" out in the run. That'll provide interest and entertainment for the older birds and they won't care about guarding the coop or chasing the others. Once they're all outside, the younger ones should have plenty of places to jump on or hide behind and break line of sight, and once they get more comfortable outside, they won't just run for safety inside. If you put logs or flat pavers out there too, you can uncover a mini feast of bugs and worms that collect underneath by moving them every so often. Put a big pile of dried leaves, pine needles, hay or wood chips out there and your chickens will really enjoy scratching through all that stuff too. They'll all be getting along before you know it!