Merging 2 established flocks!?

[IdyllwildAcres]

Horrible advice? I've been doing this stuff for a long time.
Sorry you don't agree.
But i personally don't make a big deal about something that should be a small deal.
If i could remember 1 issue i had with the hundreds of birds i have raised, sold , taken in, then i would give your comment merit.... but i cannot think of ONE issue.
Gnite.

Good for you

 

[Gingercake]

I have an established flock of 6 month old silver laced wyandottes (13) and my cousin is taking a job in south Texas, so I am inheriting her flock of chickens (number she'll bring, unknown, but guessing at least 8) these chickens are no certain breed, they've all inter-bread. But- these chickens are full grown!!!

How can I prepare for this transition? Is the process still pretty much the same? Thank you!

Keep them seperated at first. Then gradually integrate them so they establish the pecking order gradually. Chickens can be very mean to each other.

Good for you

How would you do it

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Keep them seperated at first. Then gradually integrate them so they establish the pecking order gradually. Chickens can be very mean to each other.

How would you do it

I wouldn't. Not worth the risk in my opinion.


Gary

 

[LFord]

I need help.... I keep trying to merge my babies in with my 5 older hens. I have 3 that are sooo mean to them. Literally ripping feathers out of them. I've tried everything. Please help

Ok, so here is what has happened this week. We first placed our babies out in the run with a separate fenced area. Then last week we started letting them run, had multiple food and water areas. We finally had to open the hen house back door because they kept getting cornered in there. So last night we decided we would let them figure out the sleeping arrangements so we waited until 8pm about dark to go check. The babies were under the rest of the flock sleeping, all was quiet. To be safe we got up at sunrise to open the pen door and they were all ok. The last time we tried this we went out after sunrise and they had pulled the Rhode islands feathers out while his buddy was in the hen house crying. It was a terrible scene and the Rhode island was very traumatized. So all seems ok, they went to bed again tonight. Still gonna go out early just to be on the safe side. My babies have lots of area to hide and we made a make shift house with a plastic container with hay, so they had a place to go if it rains. Fingers crossed this works out. I hope you can try this. I think keeping them in the little pen helped. We used pvc pipe and make a square and then tie strapped wire with small holes on it. Cheap and worked great. When we are done it will be our turtle run! Hope this gives you and Idea.