Introducing new flock with existing flock

[Machick2]

We are looking to get a new flock this summer, I want to keep my old and introduce a new flock. Any advice.? Currently we have a 10x14 coop with an attached 10x10 fenced “dog pen” run with a roof. We’re thinking we can add on and introduce the younger ones with the existing flock in time. First time doing this so I am in need of suggestions.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi,

Is this new flock full-grown chickens or chicks?

What is your general location? Curious as to the weather if you're bringing in chicks.

How many chickens are in your old flock, and how many are you potentially planning to add?

 

[Machick2]

The new ones would be pullets and we would likely introduce in July as we are in Northern Michigan.
We have 9 left of our old flock and they will be 3 years old in July. We would likely introduce another 12.

 

[GXPWeasel]

No personal experience, but I'm currently planning the same. From what I've read on here, besides the important fact of ensuring both flocks are healthy, it should work. My plans are to move my new flock of chicks into my current coop, in a separated area. I have roosting bars, with a poop board below them. The space under that (4'x12') is not really used. I've build a secure temporary cage under that poop board, and my new chicks will move to that area once they no longer need a heat lamp here in a few weeks. I'll keep them there for another few weeks, so they can intermingle with my current flock, without actually being able to touch each other. Once the chicks have outgrown the temporary cage, I'll open a door in that cage, which will allow the pullets (they will be pullets by then) to come and go as they please, but will be too small for one of my adult ladies to get into. This will give my new pullets some security if needed. Once I'm comfortable that they are all getting along, I'll remove the temporary cage under the poop boards.
I'm doing this because my current coop and run are big enough to accept my new flock with my current flock.

 

[Machick2]

That makes sense to me. I watched a video on that process once. Them girls can get mean to the new ones, heck they get fiesty with each other. I just want to do it right without incident. Thanks for the insight!

 

[debid]

I don't have a space where I can let them come and go as they want but I do have a small coop next to the big chicken run. introductions take place through fencing from very young chick stage and then advance to shared ranging time with supervision to watch the interactions. Nice thing about this is that the littles can't get cornered easily.

Once I am satisfied they are working on a pecking order rather than trying to drive the young ones out of their territory, I give the nudge to move in fully. I do clutter up the run with extra roosts and stuff for interrupting line of sight... creating some spaces easily accessible to small bodies but difficult for large ones... I put in extra food and water stations, too.

This more gradual approach has been successful for me where I previously had very poor results with tossing in similarly sized birds to work it out.

Lots of ways to get there, I am sure you will find a solution.