[Moving the Flock] Best practices?

[BrahmaMama207]

Hello, my fellow poultry passionistas!

We bought a new home only 5m up the road and are working on making the transition as smooth as possible for our flock of 7 ladies.

I'm here to ask your help. What else should we consider? What has worked well before?

Here's the plan so far:

1. I'm babying the chickens with mush and vitamins and ice cubes in the water on hot days, to keep them strong for what will no doubt stress them out: The Move
2. We're moving the coop and run - via trailer - to the new house
3. I'll crate the chickens in groups of 2-3, so they have a buddy for the drive
4. While the coop and run are being re-built on the new property (2 - 6 hours), the girls will be enclosed in electric fence

[Special issue] We're still working up to full integration of the 3 pullets (13 weeks) into the flock of 2-yr old hens. Some success overnighting, but violence of the blood-drawing variety has occurred within hours of integration on each attempt. Integration is great while ranging, but not in the run yet. We gave it a rest for 3 weeks while getting the house ready to sell and showing. Will begin again today.

[Side Issue/ Hopes and Dreams] So, my hope is that the new environment will be so distracting, that I can get away with one temporary pen for all 7 ladies on moving day. Additionally, I hope the move will cause a stir large enough to shake up the pecking order. Maybe the move will accelerate their integration?

What can I do to be well prepared for this move and support not just the health of my flock, but also the social integration of the flock?

Thank you!

 

[aart]

but not in the run yet.

You need some 'hiding' places in there.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Maybe the move will accelerate their integration?

It might, new territory and 'disruption distraction'.

Best of cLuck!

 

[Studabird]

Sound like a good plan. I just moved my flock 12 miles to our new home. I would hold off on integrating for a day. I had the same thought you did for my 3 ladies and the others were so freaked they went right after the new ladies. Good luck.

 

[Lovem all]

We just moved my chickens in dog crates and then put them gently in the new coop and they were fine (these were older chickens)

 

[BrahmaMama207]

You need some 'hiding' places in there.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/


It might, new territory and 'disruption distraction'.

Best of cLuck!

Such a good reminder @aart ! We cleared out all the Clutter to make rum for the new babies and the bunny Hutch that they have been using as their coop. Clutter reintroduced! What do you think?

 

[aart]

Make sure they can get around both ends of the big pallet(?) on the right.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Much better with clutter back in. And I think the move will be enough to disrupt pecking order and allow for a smoother integration, as everyone will be "new" to the new location/set up.