Might be a little early for this but -----

[Rusty66211]

Ok so my babies will be a year old in june and are spoiled rotten. I have the rainbow mix from McMurray and they are so much fun I ordered more. Here is the problem I have 26 hens no roo because the two I had attacked my 2 year old grandson for no reason so they met Mr.BBQ.My hens are currently in a 27 by 35 run with a coop of 12 by 12. they are in there during the day but as soon as I get home from work they are allowed to free range on our 2.5 acres. Anyway I ordered 25 more from McMurray some plymouth rock some buff rock. so my question is-----
How and when do I integrate the two flocks? My new ones come as hatchlings in june. Oh and before I forget to the really new people to chicken raising----BEWARE THEY ARE ADDICTING even though very addorable.lol
Thanks for the help

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I am such a wimp that I have never successfully integrated flocks. The older ones that are established are SO mean to the younger ones I could not stand to watch it anymore. Right down to blood shed on the smallest ones

It was just horrible. Although, there are many here who have done it just fine. I know you have to wait until they are the same size or the babies don't have a chance IMHO. Then make sure you screen them off in part of the hen house so the others can see them for up to three weeks, two for sure. Then try to let them out but be there to watch.

Now bantams are really no problem for me...they go together pretty easily it's those LF hens who are the problems. Good luck!

 

[Rusty66211]

I have a section of the run that is and additional 15 by 15 feet so that is were I wanted to put the new ones for a little bit then let them in the big run while the older ones are out free roaming. thought maybe that might help.

 

[shaky]

I've integrated young bantams with older standards by doing just that. They spent more time each day in a run adjacent to each other. This lasted several weeks until they were ignoring one another. Pecking order will happen, but the larger ones were very tolerant.

 

[PunkinPeep]

It sounds like you have the right idea.

I currently have my six-week-olds in a cage in the coop, but they get to go out and play during the day - in the run - or even free ranging at the same time as the older chickens. When they're outside, the older ones don't seem interested in the babies at all unless the babies get near food they want. Of course, inside the coop is another story - and is why they have their own cage in the coop. This also makes sure they get plenty to eat and drink - not competing with the big girls.

I think integration is really a little playing it by ear plus a lot of reading plus a lot of gut instinct and whatever works for you in your situation.