Introducing new flock members

[Dayton]

Hi, I have 7 three month old hens and a was wondering when I should mix them in with my 4 hens that are 8 months old. Also how do I do it so there is the least amount of fighting?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us.


I'd suggest taking a look at the following links, then picking the approaches that you feel most comfortable with - mixing and matching from the links is perfectly fine.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1126547/topic-of-the-week-integrating-chicks-into-an-adult-flock

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1069595/introducing-chicks-to-adults#post_16276224

Best wishes
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

The "see but don't method.," is the kindest, gentlest type of integration. Welcome to BYC

 

[Dayton]

Thanks so much this helped

 

[Tlmcq]

Hey question for y'all. I have just integrated 2 silkies to my group of young flock members. I watched them for about an hour and there are no scrabbles or pecking. Do you think it's OK to leave them alone? They are sticking off to themselves but that's all. All are under 10 weeks and getting ready to go into big coop but wanted to integrate all the lil ones first.