Introducing older hens....

[UrbanFarmerGreg]

Last night I picked up 5 new chickens 4 hens that are over a year old and a Black Australorp cross rooster (who is beautiful). I am rehoming him because I'm not supposed to have roosters in this city... I had 2 leghorns one of which was a rooster that I rehomed for the same reason... so I have 1, 5 month old pullet.... so I think I should introduce the older hens one at a time to establish pecking order or go ahead and put all of them in with her at once? please help?

 

[CMV]

Here's the best write up on flock integration that I have come across:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-adding-to-your-flock

Good luck.

 

[UrbanFarmerGreg]

Well that definitely was helpful... I never realized they should be quaratined for 30 days.... I just figured 4 or 5 days beside the coop in a dog cage would be good but I guess not...

 

[SteveBaz]

Very nice writeup!

I agree about the 30 day minimum separation. If you care about your existing flock that is.