Moral support needed.

[ncomp]

I have been introducing my 9 week old pullets to my hens slowly. For a little over a week now, they've been kept in the same run, divided by a baby gate designed for folks with cats (it's 4.5 ft tall), and I've been putting the pullets back in their brooder box and moving them to the garage at night. Today I opened the gate, and so far there's been nothing but some minimal pecking and one territorial display, but I'm a nervous wreck. I want this to go well. First time integrating. The hens are what was left of my first flock. 7 new babies, and 5 3 yr old hens. Eep!

 

[thecatumbrella]

You got this! Don't get discouraged if you need to separate and start over as well. Better to go slow and be successful.

I'll be doing this myself for the first time next spring. Sounds like you're doing everything right

 

[Theorrin]

dont worry itll be okay!

 

[Tonyroo]

Just provide them space to runaway and not be cornered. There will be a little pecking going on but if you hear a loud scream try to intervene. It usually means she's been cornered and serious injuries may have happened.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Seeing further back shots of your run would help to determine if you have enough clutter and spaced out feeders to help with the transition.

 

[kengboss21]

First time I integrating I was so nervous I had some chasedowns and once even a peck where the hen ended up with a feather in its mouth. But with enough space / feed stations you'll be good. This behavior is normal. I also had them see eachother for the same amount of time 1 week