Mixed flock & introducing pullets

[HollyDutton]

I am looking at breeds to get. My husband wants to immediately have egg-layers, and my daughter wants to raise some chicks, so we will have different ages going on at once, which means "introductions" at some point. I'm wondering if a mixture of breeds that are raised together in a brooder get along any better than those that are introduced at later ages? Also, from what I've read Cinnamon Queens may be a good start for egg layers (that are also pretty docile)... if we start with those in the coop & run, while raising say... EE, BO, BCM and Australorps in the brooder, would there be challenges in introducing the young pullets to a couple older CQs, once its time for them to go outside?

 

[aart]

It's easy... IF you've got the space and setup to do so.
This is how I do it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

But there are similar ways that are easier to 'build'.
@blackdog043 has a great setup with cardboard on a crate.
Pics of his setup are in this post.



Here's some basic integration tips that apply to many ages:
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.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[HollyDutton]

Would pecking order issues be (as) present if say we got the egg laying hens at the same time we were ready to put the pullets outside? ie: "It's time to move the chicks out of the brooder, and into the coop" and then at that time get the older girls, and they are all brought into our back yard at the same time?

Thank you by the way! We do have space to segregate like that, and though it looks like more work, knowing about that kind of thing ahead of time lets us plan for the "investment" of time better

 

[aart]

"It's time to move the chicks out of the brooder, and into the coop" and then at that time get the older girls, and they are all brought into our back yard at the same time?

Yep, that might work too.
May alleviate the territoriality issues, but maturity also plays a part in the pecking order and integration, older birds may still lord it over the much younger chicks.
Having lots of space and a separate area can save much stress and possible heartbreak.

There will always be times of 'no eggs' in chicken keeping, so beware....
..... bringing older birds in is also a risk for also bringing in pests and diseases.
The satisfaction of birds already laying may soon fade if they bring nasties with them.
BTDT.