Introducing new hens help

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC! Great advice given by the others. Best of luck!

 

[Ralphtherooster]

How long have they been integrated?

3 days

 

[Ralphtherooster]

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?

We kept them in a cage overnight the first night and then opened the cage. Eventually, they came out to the run but haven’t gone back into coop since. It’s been 3 days. They’re 6 months old.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

I have heard others say to put them in the coop at night just sneak them right onto the roosting bars

This is never a good idea IMO.

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

This. Lots of space, resources and time.

3 days

It takes months for things to settle down.

 

[N F C]

Hi, I didn't see it mentioned but wonder how large your coop is (measured in feet)?

 

[Ralphtherooster]

Coop is 7x7

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. You've been given some good advice. I hope things calm down for your flock soon.

 

[Nomadicus]

Coop is 7x7

That's 7 sq' per hen and is large enough for hens that are well adjusted with each other but maybe to crowded until they are used to each other in the run. If you could put a temp divider in the coop so they see but don't touch you should get them to getting along fine.

 

[Tookie]

Welcome to BYC! Good luck with your hens!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you joined us!