Mixing flocks

[Pollito Nuevo]

I have a coop and run with 2 hens. Outside this coop and run but inside a fence is a rooster with 2 hens. They have had only chicken wire between then for a month and I want to start integrating them. I was wondering in what order has been best for you. The rooster then the dominate hen then the submissive hen? Or the submissive then the rooster then the dominate hen? Or...
The 2 dominates did fight through the fence for the first couple days but now they don't seem to care. Except the ones separated from the rooster love to be near him! Lol

 

[cavemanrich]

I would open up the partition an see how they interact. If there is fighting, (not just pecking order scuffles) Then separate some more. It is also IDEAL to let them meet each other while free ranging. If that is possible in your setup.
WISHING YOU BEST....... and

 

[aart]

I would open up the partition an see how they interact.

Ditto Dat^^^

How old are these birds?

Integration Basic-in part:
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.

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.

Best of cLuck!!
Oh, and, Welcome to BYC!

 

[cavemanrich]

EXCELLENT OUTLINE..

 

[Pollito Nuevo]

Just wanted to share. I opened the partitions this morning and then returned to the house to listen for the inevitable squabble. At three I still hadn't heard anything so I wandered out to the coop to check on things. They are mixing together just fine!