Introducing two 14 week old pullets to five 10 week old pullets

[DallasLoneStar]

Has anyone done something similar where two larger/older (but not full grown) birds are introduced to a larger group of younger birds that have been together for a few weeks? The dynamics going on are weird. Basically the two older birds (leghorns) have taken over the place. I tried a more gradual integration but was ill prepared to deal with flying leghorns. Now they all seem to be sort of getting along but the five original birds seem scared to death of them, and the two leghorns have made themselves at home! No violence/bullying beyond just warning pecks though. More info in my other post: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/advice-adding-two-new-pullets-to-flock-of-5.1313223/

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I think a smaller number of older chicks introduced to a larger number of younger chicks in their home is the best scenario.

 

[DallasLoneStar]

Thanks. I guess my concern is that the five girls (two EEs, Barred Rock, Welsummer, New Hampshire Red) were becoming a nice little “family” and now I feel like they are being occupied by two foreign soldiers! So does this get better or no? I have an opportunity to rehome one of the Leghorns with a friend, would that be a good idea?

 

[DallasLoneStar]

It’s worth noting the difference is size between the two ages is substantial.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Thanks. I guess my concern is that the five girls (two EEs, Barred Rock, Welsummer, New Hampshire Red) were becoming a nice little “family” and now I feel like they are being occupied by two foreign soldiers! So does this get better or no? I have an opportunity to rehome one of the Leghorns with a friend, would that be a good idea?

They were a nice family. That's why it is best to add birds as early as possible to make them all a nice family.

 

[DallasLoneStar]

Thank you. Hopefully they will all come together. This evening after work and at bedtime they seemed a little calmer with each other. Still the original five are sticking together and avoiding the Leghorns but not quite as much. The larger EE and the Barred Rock seem to be a bit bolder than the others but still deferential to the new girls. The Leghorns roosted on another bar right when they got into the coop tonight. The other five are sort of still hiding in the far corner, with one or two at any given time roosting. I’ll probably check on them again in a bit and see what’s up. They have a very dimmed electric candle in there I got from Amazon that lights from 8-10pm since it gets very dark very quick in the coop due to its location next to the east side of my house and under a tree. So I can check on them without disturbing them by shining a light.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Given their ages, numbers in each group, I think they'll be fine.
Don't fret till you have a reason to fret.

 

[aart]

More of the story here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/advice-adding-two-new-pullets-to-flock-of-5.1313223/