Merging two flocks - not being successful

[centrarchid]

Your thread was hijacked and I failed to notice. Sorry about that.


I would rearrange everything in the larger pen then combine. You want an everybody against everybody to disperse aggression. Real harm not likely but observe just in case. It is difficult to keep two hen only flocks in close proximity unless at least once group is juveniles.

 

[lilyrose]

The second flock will be four months tomorrow. Would they be considered juveniles? The first flock have been living together for two years.

 

[centrarchid]

Simpliest route is to keep them separated until younger group comes into lay. If free-ranged in short-term then they will go their own ways but conflicts will arise if they are to use the same roost site. I would separate your confinement units and allow juveniles to imprint on new location before letting them out. Also do not place feeder in where hens will want to get in where juveniles roost as that will make so juveniles will not feel welcome in their own home.

 

[lilyrose]

Perfect the new coop arrives Friday and that was my plan. Thank you so much. You have been more helpful to me than anybody along the way. I have been pondering this since April and actually have made some good choices I think.

 

[centrarchid]

Good luck and watch for predators.

 

[lilyrose]

Where do you live? I'm in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Our predators are mostly raccoons and red tails. We are good though. The coop and pens are bomb proof.

 

[centrarchid]

Missouri. Predator assemblage much the same. Most consistent challenge will be when birds let out to forage. Then foxes, coyotes and bobcats will come out of the woodwork, even in urban settings. Raccoons in particular will challenge the Fort Knoxification of your containment. Sometimes chickens weaken the the design by sleeping or going to edge where predator can pull them through wire.