Introducing new hens help

[Ralphtherooster]

Need help, introduced 4 new hens to our existing 3 hens and a rooster. The new hens won’t go into the coop at night with the others. Stay stay huddled outside in the run. What to do?

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!!

I have the same issue with moving some to a new mini coop. I put a puck light in there. It works!

 

[Jenbirdee]

Hello and welcome!
I have heard others say to put them in the coop at night just sneak them right onto the roosting bars
Hopeful they will start going in on their own

 

[nuthatched]

How long have they been integrated?

 

[swampfox440]

How old are the new hens? Have you tried keeping them in a cage in the coop so they can get acquainted without hurting each other?

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Its best to introduce new birds slowly for a couple reasons. It allows them to get to know each other slowly, new birds are kept in a cage or behind a fence around the flock at all times, for a few weeks letting everybody get to know each other without touching. When you do mix them in, there is less aggression. It also helps to prevent the spread of any disease to your main flock. Over a few weeks you will be able to tell if anybody is sick.

If after mixing a few weeks later and they still won't use the coop, they will need to be physically placed in the coop and possibly on the roost bars at night.

Best wishes with your new birds!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. The greater the space generally the easier the integration. New birds need the ability to stay out of the way of the established flock.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Flock! And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome back to BYC. Glad to have you in this Poultry Loving Community. Lots of good advice given here that should solve your problem. I've got very large coops and have just put them in locked up for a couple of days together and then turned them out. If they wanted to fight then they need to see each other with a fence between them until they are used to seeing each other.