introducing the inlaws

[Crowbird28]

We are having to adopt 5 laying hens due to the current owners not being able to care for them anymore. We currently have 5 younger laying hens and a rooster. I am just wondering from people who have done it before if there is a certain way they need to be integrated into the new environment?

 

[Squishychicken]

look up ways to integrate chickens lots of results will come up. I personally use the see but don't touch method

 

[Dawnclucks22]

I have done this twice and have written an article on it if you would like to check it out!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-chickens-step-by-step.72815/

In a nutshell:
1) Use the "see but don't touch" method as mentioned above. This means placing the newbie in question in a run, cage, etc area where the flock can see and smell her but cannot peck.
2) When they start to ignore her, I like to try placing one of my most docile hens in the separate run with the newbie so they can get acquainted, then start adding in the rest of my flock (to the separate run - aka, neutral territory). If they seem to do well, you may proceed.
3) Next I place the newbie in the flock's run for an hour or so. I like to sit with an open window by the run and read, for example, so I can hear any problems that come up but don't need to be outside the whole time.
4) Eventually I let the newbie free-range with the flock full time, but keep her sleeping in a separate area. My reason being that my coop is very small so I like the newbie entirely acclimated first.
5) Then I slowly start putting her in the coop after it's already dark and they're asleep. Hopefully she will learn it's home and go in at night.
To this day my EE (my newest girl from late last year) still will not go in and so I put her in myself. Keep in mind that sometimes integrating birds may take a long time or be more difficult, especially if you're integrating a bantam or a pullet into a flock of standard layers. Good luck and happy chickening!

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I would never adopt adult birds because you feel sorry for them, too great a chance of introducing something to your flock. You stated you had to adopt them, I would say no you do not have to.

If you are willing to risk your flock then you have already received good advice about integration above.

Good luck

Gary

 

[Egghead_Jr]

With only one cock bird in the flock he will make the integration easier. It might look ugly at first as he exerts dominance on the new hens but he'll help a lot in keeping them all in check.

 

[aart]

I hope you have enough space to double your flock.
Space is key to flock harmony and integration works best with extra separate but adjacent space.

Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
BYC 'quarantine' search


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.


This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock