Introducing new hens

[Thomas Yabsley]

We would like to rehome 4 ex battery hens. We currently have a 12 week hen a 8 week hen and 2 chicks. We have enough space for up to 10 hens fully grown. Any advice would be great

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Welcome to BYC.

When you say you want to rehome 4 ex batts are you saying you want to bring them into your flock? "Re-home" generally means to get rid of, so I am not sure I am understanding what you are asking.

 

[Thomas Yabsley]

Welcome to BYC.

When you say you want to rehome 4 ex batts are you saying you want to bring them into your flock? "Re-home" generally means to get rid of, so I am not sure I am understanding what you are asking.

Yes bring them into my flock.
Sorry for confusion

 

[Dawnclucks22]

I wrote an article on this is if you want to check it out

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-chickens-step-by-step.72815/

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

There are many ways to approach integration - which is right for you will depend on the setup of your coop/run, the amount of space you have to work with, whether you'll need/be willing to construct new housing, etc. I would suggest reading a few discussions on integration here on BYC and deciding which sounds like the best fit for you and your situation.
One important thing to consider before you worry about integration, though, is quarantine - especially bringing in birds from a battery situation you'll want to do a good, thorough quarantine prior to introducing them to your exisiting birds.

 

[Thomas Yabsley]

I wrote an article on this is if you want to check it out

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-chickens-step-by-step.72815/

Thankyou

 

[aart]

Yes, Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
BYC 'quarantine' search

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[Engine823]

Okay, I have a chicken tractor. Here is a picture of it before it was totally finished so you get the idea. Anyway I have 3 ISA Browns that have lived in it for about 1 year. I bought 2 Barr Rocks. I had them in a different coop on the property for 2 months to make sure they were not sick. Because the coop they were in didnt have shade and the daytime temps were getting very hot I decided it was time to introduce them to the flock.
I brought them into the coop at night and allowed them to wake up together. First day wasnt to bad but now it is ridiculous. Poor Barr Rocks are being harassed at every turn. No blood that I've seen but they always are pecking and chasing them.
During the day they are all out in the yard. Older chickens still chasing them.
I have multiple feed stations and water stations. I dont really have the ability to separate them in this small coop. Should I give up on putting them together???? I didnt realize how bad it would be. I expected a small fuss on the first day and then it would be over.
I have them sleeping together now but its rough
HELP!!!!!

 

[Akrnaf2]

We would like to rehome 4 ex battery hens. We currently have a 12 week hen a 8 week hen and 2 chicks. We have enough space for up to 10 hens fully grown. Any advice would be great

You HAVE to quarantine them.
The thumb roul is 40:40 at least 40 dayes and at least 40 feat from the existing flock.

 

[Akrnaf2]

Okay, I have a chicken tractor. Here is a picture of it before it was totally finished so you get the idea. Anyway I have 3 ISA Browns that have lived in it for about 1 year. I bought 2 Barr Rocks. I had them in a different coop on the property for 2 months to make sure they were not sick. Because the coop they were in didnt have shade and the daytime temps were getting very hot I decided it was time to introduce them to the flock.
I brought them into the coop at night and allowed them to wake up together. First day wasnt to bad but now it is ridiculous. Poor Barr Rocks are being harassed at every turn. No blood that I've seen but they always are pecking and chasing them.
During the day they are all out in the yard. Older chickens still chasing them.
I have multiple feed stations and water stations. I dont really have the ability to separate them in this small coop. Should I give up on putting them together???? I didnt realize how bad it would be. I expected a small fuss on the first day and then it would be over.
I have them sleeping together now but its rough
HELP!!!!!

You disordered their pecking order so you have your be patient!
You must understand that establishing a new pecking order can cause damage and even death. ....