Introducing two new hens to our single existing hen.

[Lazy Farmer]

I just introduced about 75 birds into my egg house. During the day and into the run. The run is about 200'x200' so there is a lot of space to get away. It was kaos for a couple days but now their order has been established with the 90 or so whom previously occupied the habitat.

Just baby sit the process and evaluate if they are getting really hurt. Most of the time, the size difference is the only problem. As long as the new birds are about the same size, it doesn't take long for them to get use to each others company. Broadcasting feed takes the edge off the introduction as well.

 

[juliasc]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens! We are glad you joined the flock! BYC is a helpful site providing all the information you need to know about poultry! Integrating isn't really a problem when you aren't introducing a lot of chickens to one chicken. Providing a lot of places to get away such as roosting poles should work. Hope you enjoy it here as much as we all do!

That is really helpful! I know the couple these girls are coming from took great care of them, but do you still recommend any type of quarantine time?

 

[juliasc]

I just introduced about 75 birds into my egg house. During the day and into the run. The run is about 200'x200' so there is a lot of space to get away. It was kaos for a couple days but now their order has been established with the 90 or so whom previously occupied the habitat.

Just baby sit the process and evaluate if they are getting really hurt. Most of the time, the size difference is the only problem. As long as the new birds are about the same size, it doesn't take long for them to get use to each others company. Broadcasting feed takes the edge off the introduction as well.

Hi Connie,

Congrats on successfully integrating so many at one time! That is amazing. Did you quarantine yours at all?

Our new hens are the same size and breed as our exiting hen. I hope that makes a difference. They're also the same age, but our girl is either one or two months older. Thanks!

 

[juliasc]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens! We are glad you joined the flock! BYC is a helpful site providing all the information you need to know about poultry! Integrating isn't really a problem when you aren't introducing a lot of chickens to one chicken. Providing a lot of places to get away such as roosting poles should work. Hope you enjoy it here as much as we all do!

It's been under an hour and I'm already loving this.

 

[alexa009]

That is really helpful! I know the couple these girls are coming from took great care of them, but do you still recommend any type of quarantine time?

Most people do quarantine their flock for at least a month so that you can catch the sickness in the other flock before introducing them to the other chickens and spreading the disease to the other flock. This is why a lot of people buy their poultry from disease free sources. Check out this article. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

 

[juliasc]

Most people do quarantine their flock for at least a month so that you can catch the sickness in the other flock before introducing them to the other chickens and spreading the disease to the other flock. This is why a lot of people buy their poultry from disease free sources. Check out this article. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

That is super helpful. Thank you so much!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[juliasc]

Hi!!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock!
Proper quarantining needs to be done far away...think football field length away.
Not many BYCers have enough space to properly quarantine.
So...putting then next to your run is pretty much the same as putting them in your run.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops

BYC has an APP

 

[juliasc]

Welcome to BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock!
Proper quarantining needs to be done far away...think football field length away.
Not many BYCers have enough space to properly quarantine.
So...putting then next to your run is pretty much the same as putting them in your run.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops

BYC has an APP

Hi!! Thanks for your help, this is really useful info! We have enough space to put them about one football field length away. Do you think this is ok? Otherwise, we have an extra bedroom that we used for our brooder many months ago. It's been deep cleaned many times since and we could set them up in there (it's a fairly large space), what are you thoughts??