We've got a mixed flock that we're adding to this year. There are 5 two year old hens (2 buff orpys, 2 speckled sussex, 1 faverolle) and 2 one year olds (1 easter egger, and 1 faverolle.) We're adding 8 more easter egger (one is definitely a cockerel) and 14 silkies. We're building a low addition to our current coop for the silkies.
We're wondering what will be the best way to integrate them all together. We just got the chicks, so it's at least a couple months before we plan on putting them outside.
As far as our space: there's a shute leading from the run under the main coop to a 900 sq foot fenced "run" in the woods around our house. We also have about an acre and a half fenced yard that they often range in the evenings when we're home.
When we introduced the younger two last year, the older hens were not very receptive, and the little ones got beat up pretty good. They've been accepted now, but they are still clearly low men on the totem pole.
Any suggestions on a less stressful integration?
Any help is welcome!!
We're wondering what will be the best way to integrate them all together. We just got the chicks, so it's at least a couple months before we plan on putting them outside.
As far as our space: there's a shute leading from the run under the main coop to a 900 sq foot fenced "run" in the woods around our house. We also have about an acre and a half fenced yard that they often range in the evenings when we're home.
When we introduced the younger two last year, the older hens were not very receptive, and the little ones got beat up pretty good. They've been accepted now, but they are still clearly low men on the totem pole.
Any suggestions on a less stressful integration?
Any help is welcome!!
