Introducing the new girls

[Alicat4244]

So I have 4 hens ( the Golden Girls) ,we recently got six more (the Twisted Sisters) to add but they are quite a bit younger so I am keeping them separated in a tractor . I have the tractor next to the coop so the Golden Girls can get used to seeing them . They really aren't acknowledging them at all . Is this a good thing?

 

[azygous]

Can you give us the ages of these two groups?

After a certain period of look but no-touch, you may allow them to mingle as long as they're close to the same size. If the new group are small chicks, you will need protection for them until they get of size.

 

[Alicat4244]

The golden girls are right at a year.... the new girls range from 10 to 12 weeks . My older ones are free range also so the coop is for laying and sleeping.

 

[azygous]

There shouldn't be any real issues if you go ahead and let the two groups mingle. The greater number of the new group will help balance out the tendency of the older ones to bully any individuals.

 

[Alicat4244]

Thanks... I might try it I feel bad for the new ones they were used to running around on a farm now they are cooped up and I can tell just want to run around . So fingers crossed

 

[captbridgers]

Alicat's question was my own...I have a small coop but a huge run. I am adding 2 new 5 mo. olds to 3 2yr olds. I thought about putting the 2 new ones in the coop for a few hrs to acclimatize them to the roost. Then in late afternoon turning them out into the pen until they all go to bed around 8PM. Maybe I should just let them mingle together for the rest of the day. Any comments? captbridgers

 

[azygous]

Alicat's question was my own...I have a small coop but a huge run. I am adding 2 new 5 mo. olds to 3 2yr olds. I thought about putting the 2 new ones in the coop for a few hrs to acclimatize them to the roost. Then in late afternoon turning them out into the pen until they all go to bed around 8PM. Maybe I should just let them mingle together for the rest of the day. Any comments? captbridgers

Read my article on introducing a new hen to the flock. It's pretty painless and cuts down on the conflict. It's linked below.