Merging 2 flocks

[Matt84]

I have my 4 hens and 2 roos that I have raised from babies.
I just acquired 6 additional healthy barred rock hens over a week ago to add to my flock.

My setup is actually an old horse barn. I used the 2 largest doored stalls for each flock to stay separate, and the new ladies quarantined.

I open the stall door and the barn door daily for my original crew to come outside a free range, fence free on my property.

The problem with my 8 stall setup, only 2 have doors and they are solid. There really isn't a way for me to do the "see dont touch" method. Just keep each flock separated.

I want to start introducing them, and have tried, but my buckeye roo and a thuggish hen from the new crew immediately went at each others faces, hooking necks and all. So I discontinued the "visit" haha.

Eventually, I will just need to open the paddock doors and let them do what they need to do....correct?

 

[Mrs. K]

Try this, get a good powerful squirt gun, load it up. Let them all out, and when those two go at it, blast them with the squirt gun. Reload. Wait, ten to one, they will try it again, blast away. Reload and wait.... a couple of times, and it should sort itself out. As long as they are not bleeding do not separate them, cause then you have to start all over.

With a 6 old to 6 new, I would expect the rest to rather get along, with minor dust ups. It is best to just pick a day that you can mostly hang around, and let them work it out. However, I would leave both "coops" open so that they can sleep where they want, at least for a while.

good luck

Mrs K

 

[Matt84]

The positive, they are ALL the same age. Just at ready to lay age.

Great advice!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Heck of good advice offered there Welcome enjoy hardware cloth will protect from predators

 

[Mrs. K]

It will be a lovely flock

 

[Matt84]

I really love having them;
1 buckeye roo
1 splash/polish mix roo
2 gold easter egger hens
1 black australop hen
7 barred rock hens

Look forward to the coming week so I can get everyone to get along before letting the new girls outside. My buckeye is a very good guide and I want him to help the new ladies along outdoors too, not chase them off.