Introducing new pullets...

[DebD]

My husband and I are building a hoop house to hold 15-20 birds. We already have 5 RIRs (9-weeks). I would like to get several different dual purpose breeds but my husband thinks we should get all RIRs so they won't pick on each other. If I introduce several young birds of different breeds to the RIRs, and they have a large coop, enough nesting boxes, and a large run, what are the chances of either the RIRs dominating the new birds or of the different breeds picking on another breed as they mature. We've always had pullets of the same breed and/or same age (but no more than 5) and very little pecking. Sounds like a basic (stupid) question but I really need to know what to avoid in this expansion process! TIA!

 

[MountainWoman73]

I've never heard of different breeds being more likely to pick on each other. That's not a thing. I have 8 and they are all different breeds. Older established hens will pick on new birds, sure, but give them space and they'll figure it out.

Try to give the littles a way to get away from the big girls at first. I use a bottomless rabbit cage which is wire on 4 sides and the top, with a space underneath so that babies can run underneath but big chickens can't. They use it until they are old enough to roost, and then I take it out.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd say it depends on how pushy your existing birds are, and what other breeds you're looking at. Generally you can mix and match breeds to your liking, but some breeds are known for being more docile to the point that they get walked all over (i.e. Faverolles) or may have physical characteristics that would cause them to get picked on/attacked (i.e. Polish).

 

[BDutch]

I agree with Rosemarythine from what I know. Different breeds do mix without problems in general but not always. They often fall apart in groups from different breeds but that doesnt have to be a problem. Just one chicken from another breed than the rest of the flock is not a good idea. She can get bullied or lonely because she‘s different.

In general: Younger chickens get picked on and are lower in the pecking order.
IMO its very important that the chicks are old enough (from 8 to 14 weeks) to mix with the adult chickens. It depends, did they have a chance to get used to each other behind a fence? Are there hiding places for the chicks after introduction? Can you keep an eye on them after introduction?

Make sure they had the same (or none) vaccins as you’re RIR’s and its always good to quarantine (seperate) them for a week or to two be sure they dont bring in a disease.

 

[Acre4Me]

@rosemarythyme and @BDutch said everything I was going to say!

some people note RIR can be more bully-like. But might depend a bit on the strain, so just watch. Younger chicks WILL be lower in pecking order.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

I throw pullets of all ages and breeds together all the time and no issues. They will work it out pretty quickly if everyone is under 6 months or so. Introducing hens (year plus) to other hens is a different story, that can get nasty. But under a year- I just toss them all together and let them figure it out- and they always do with no casualties ever.

 

[DebD]

I've never heard of different breeds being more likely to pick on each other. That's not a thing. I have 8 and they are all different breeds. Older established hens will pick on new birds, sure, but give them space and they'll figure it out.

Try to give the littles a way to get away from the big girls at first. I use a bottomless rabbit cage which is wire on 4 sides and the top, with a space underneath so that babies can run underneath but big chickens can't. They use it until they are old enough to roost, and then I take it out.

Having a place to hide is a great idea. Thanks!

 

[DebD]

I'd say it depends on how pushy your existing birds are, and what other breeds you're looking at. Generally you can mix and match breeds to your liking, but some breeds are known for being more docile to the point that they get walked all over (i.e. Faverolles) or may have physical characteristics that would cause them to get picked on/attacked (i.e. Polish).

I knew from the past that birds with unusual head feathering, who are sick, or who have a different "look" can be targets, along with being too docile. No matter what age they are. I hope to get a mixture of med-sized dual-purpose chicks in May but my husband thinks getting all RIRs will solve the problem. Thanks for your answer!

 

[DebD]

I agree with Rosemarythine from what I know. Different breeds do mix without problems in general but not always. They often fall apart in groups from different breeds but that doesnt have to be a problem. Just one chicken from another breed than the rest of the flock is not a good idea. She can get bullied or lonely because she‘s different.

In general: Younger chickens get picked on and are lower in the pecking order.
IMO its very important that the chicks are old enough (from 8 to 14 weeks) to mix with the adult chickens. It depends, did they have a chance to get used to each other behind a fence? Are there hiding places for the chicks after introduction? Can you keep an eye on them after introduction?

Make sure they had the same (or none) vaccins as you’re RIR’s and its always good to quarantine (seperate) them for a week or to two be sure they dont bring in a disease.

Thank you, BDutch. Sounds like a plan. I will be keeping the babies in a separate coop for at least two-three months and then will introduce them through a fence for a week or so. The coop/run will be right outside our windows so we can watch them closely. This baby chick thing is so new to us. I've introduced pullets to each other with very little problem but they were 3 months old and all were new to the coop. Level playing field. Thanks, again!

 

[DebD]

@rosemarythyme and @BDutch said everything I was going to say!

some people note RIR can be more bully-like. But might depend a bit on the strain, so just watch. Younger chicks WILL be lower in pecking order.

Well, I guess we'll have to watch our RIRs since they are also going to be older and established in the coop by the time the babies are introduced. Thank you!