introducing new hens

[MnchFmlyFrm]

my flock of 42 have been together a long time, we have a new flock of 24 about to be free. They have been raised inside the coop of flock 1 in their own fenced coop (for socialization), will they be accepted by other hens?

 

[LaurEliz]

They might and they might not. I have integrated several chickens of different ages and genders together with little to no problems so far, depending on the temperament of everyone, you may have no issues. It is good that they have all already seen each other for a while, so my bet is that you won't have too much of a problem.

When I introduce mine, sometimes there's a little scuffle until everybody finds their place and order, but it never lasts longer than a couple days.

 

[aart]

my flock of 42 have been together a long time, we have a new flock of 24 about to be free. They have been raised inside the coop of flock 1 in their own fenced coop (for socialization), will they be accepted by other hens?

Wow, that's a lot of birds!
Space will be key...how much do they have?

How old are the new birds?
I find integrating young (4-6 weeks) after brooding in coop(separated by wire) works best.

Chances are, there will be fighting.

Here's some tips (part of which you've already done) on....
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.



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