Introducing new young birds to young flock...

Orthopod

In the Brooder
May 9, 2020
22
14
23
Any suggestions or secrets to introduction in the below circumstance:

I just exchanged 2 Roos for 2 hens. My flock is 16 to 17 weeks old and the 2 new hens are 12 weeks. The existing flock is 8 birds after removal of 2 roosters. Once the 2 hens are introduced I will be back up to 10 birds - 8 standard and 2 bantums. Still have 1 Roo - just couldn’t have 3 out of the 10 as Roos.
 
How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help here.
Space is key when integrating.


Here's some tips about.....
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.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/
 

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