Introducing pullets to hens

[Cinnamon11]

I have 3 9 week old pullets and have started introducing them to 3 5 year old hens. So far all is well they have been coming out and free ranging when being introduced and haven’t had more then a peck or two (to say this is my food not yours) should I just put them in the big coop of continue what I’m doing?

 

[MarcyG]

I have 3 9 week old pullets and have started introducing them to 3 5 year old hens. So far all is well they have been coming out and free ranging when being introduced and haven’t had more then a peck or two (to say this is my food not yours) should I just put them in the big coop of continue what I’m doing?

I'm glad to see your post - as I'll soon be doing the same: introducing 2 young pullets to my 3 older hens (ages 5-7yrs).

It sounds like you let yours free-range together....right? I'm glad to see they're getting along. Are they about the same size/height? I heard that makes a difference.

Can I ask, did you quarantine the pullets *before* you mixed them w/ your older hens? Can you share your process? I'm considering placing my new ones inside the run w/ my older Girlz, but enclosed in a large safe pen/crate, for distancing. I would keep them separate bt visible to each other for 3-4 weeks, before co-mingling. Thank you, in advance for any insight.

P.S. Is there a Forum here on BYC with a focus on this specific topic (Introducing Young Pullets to Existing Flock, etc.)?

 

[Cinnamon11]

I got my pullets at only a few days old so yes they were quarantined they are close to the same size now. They are not free ranged (I would love to) but get let into the yard sometimes and in this case are let into the yard to socialize with each other but when they were younger they were in the same coop just separated with mesh and chicken wire.

 

[MarcyG]

I got my pullets at only a few days old so yes they were quarantined they are close to the same size now. They are not free ranged (I would love to) but get let into the yard sometimes and in this case are let into the yard to socialize with each other but when they were younger they were in the same coop just separated with mesh and chicken wire.

Thanks Cinnamon11, that's good to know.
Just so I understand, it seems like it worked for you. The 8week old pullets I'll be getting are smaller than my full-grown hens. I'm thinking of keeping the new pullets in their own pen - but within the larger run where my older Girls are., so both groups can "see" and get used to each other. Does this sound like sufficient quarantine distance? I do not have a second coop to put the younger pullets in.

 

[Cinnamon11]

Thanks Cinnamon11, that's good to know.
Just so I understand, it seems like it worked for you. The 8week old pullets I'll be getting are smaller than my full-grown hens. I'm thinking of keeping the new pullets in their own pen - but within the larger run where my older Girls are., so both groups can "see" and get used to each other. Does this sound like sufficient quarantine distance? I do not have a second coop to put the younger pullets in.

I would start at a distance if they can get close to each other this wouldn’t be quarantine. I would keep they at a place where they can see each other but are still quite a few feet apart then after a few weeks put their cage in the big coop. After they are in the big coop for a week or so bring all of them in a large space where the chicks can get away if you see blood being drawn I would separate them and try again in a few days. That’s just what I’ve read good luck!

 

[MarcyG]

I would start at a distance if they can get close to each other this wouldn’t be quarantine. I would keep they at a place where they can see each other but are still quite a few feet apart then after a few weeks put their cage in the big coop. After they are in the big coop for a week or so bring all of them in a large space where the chicks can get away if you see blood being drawn I would separate them and try again in a few days. That’s just what I’ve read good luck!

Thank you, Cinnamon11!
We have *not yet* brought our 2 new pullets home ... possibly before the end of THIS week.
That will give us time to piece together some sort of temporary quarantine coop in our large shed (currently jam-packed w/ stuff). We'll be clearing some room in there today. It is about 25' away from the main coop, and once the doors are opened for daytime hours, the pullets will get plenty of daylight and some shade, and the older hens and the young pullets will have 'visibility' to each other, but from a distance. And at night, they'll be totally protected from any outside predators, as the shed can be locked.
Then, after 3-4 wks quarantining in the shed pen, I'm hoping that's enough time to then place the pullets *within* the main run, in their separation/enclosed pen, so they'll be closer to the older hens, and hopefully a bit more acclimated to each other's presence by then. Does this sound OK? Thank you again!

 

[Cinnamon11]

Thank you, Cinnamon11!
We have *not yet* brought our 2 new pullets home ... possibly before the end of THIS week.
That will give us time to piece together some sort of temporary quarantine coop in our large shed (currently jam-packed w/ stuff). We'll be clearing some room in there today. It is about 25' away from the main coop, and once the doors are opened for daytime hours, the pullets will get plenty of daylight and some shade, and the older hens and the young pullets will have 'visibility' to each other, but from a distance. And at night, they'll be totally protected from any outside predators, as the shed can be locked.
Then, after 3-4 wks quarantining in the shed pen, I'm hoping that's enough time to then place the pullets *within* the main run, in their separation/enclosed pen, so they'll be closer to the older hens, and hopefully a bit more acclimated to each other's presence by then. Does this sound OK? Thank you again!

That sounds great!!!

 

[Lumley Farm]

Thanks Cinnamon11, that's good to know.
Just so I understand, it seems like it worked for you. The 8week old pullets I'll be getting are smaller than my full-grown hens. I'm thinking of keeping the new pullets in their own pen - but within the larger run where my older Girls are., so both groups can "see" and get used to each other. Does this sound like sufficient quarantine distance? I do not have a second coop to put the younger pullets in.

I don't remember where I read it, but your idea to keep them separated and just to see each other is exactly what the article said to do. I introduced two young hens, 4 months old, to the older girls 18months and older, and when they did intermingle, there was only a few pecks here and there during the 'pecking order' establishment. still see some with food, but not too aggressive.