Looking for tips

[Asharpegg]

I went to a swap this weekend. I’m pretty sure I have two hens. I was told one is Ameraucana and other is Laced Wyandotte. One came with bumblefoot on both feet . I was also told they were about 2 mths old and they ARE fully feathered. I really look forward to introducing them to the flock in a couple weeks. I would love any advice on the best way to go about introductions in a few weeks. Tips please! Things that helped you introduce younger hens to existing flock.

 

[nuthatched]

Always quarantine any new birds completely seperate, no contact, wash hands, etc for at least a month.
That's to make sure they're healthy.
See but no touch introduction on either side of a fence for two weeks or more.

 

[Asharpegg]

Thank you. Yes, we are quarantining them and have a spot that the new gals can be completely separated for a few weeks. Very causations with cross contamination. I’m looking for tips on the transition into the coop/run once quarantine has been fulfilled.

 

[aart]

Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article



Here's some tips about......
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.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Mrs. K]

Make sure your run has a lot of clutter where birds can get out of sight.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/