*Multiple New Chicken Introductions

[Chickweed9]

I’ve recently lost several of my flock. It’s young and I’ve had to rehome several Roos. I want to add 4 new pullets from 2 farms. Which means I’ll have TWO temporary set ups while slowly introducing the new pairs to my flock. (2 from one farm and 2 from another)

1. Am I crazy to try this?!??
2. Should I give preventive corrid treatment to the newbies? I JUST finished a week of preventive for my home flock after losing one to cocci.. she was the weakest and NO ONE else had any symptoms then or since.

My original flock (all 7-9 weeks old) came from the same farm two of my new pullets are coming from. The other two newbies are coming from a very reputable farm that is new to me.. not a hatchery.

 

[aart]

1. Maybe, yes.
2. Since you had a death confirmed(how?) as coccidiosis....might be a good idea.

 

[NatJ]

How many in your original flock?

How old are the new pullets? I see that your original flock are 7-9 weeks old.

Do you intend to quarantine the new chickens on different parts of your property, or do you plan to immediately put them near your existing birds?

 

[Chickweed9]

How many in your original flock?

How old are the new pullets? I see that your original flock are 7-9 weeks old.

Do you intend to quarantine the new chickens on different parts of your property, or do you plan to immediately put them near your existing birds?

There are 4 left in my original flock.. straight run problems.
New pullets are 6-8 weeks.
I’m going to put them a little ways apart and work them closer every day. I want to put them in the coop in a carrier at night, but I’m still trying to figure that one out.

 

[NatJ]

I would pick a day when you'll be home to watch and just put them together.

They will probably be fine. It might help to add a clump of sod or something to distract them.

You can always separate them again and try a more gradual introduction if it does not work, but I think it will work. And if it does work, it will be so much easier for you! And being in a proper coop will be better for the new birds too, rather than spending days or weeks in a carrier or temporary coop.

 

[FluffyBottomBantams]

Since it’s just hens it’s unlikely to be as bloody as roosters when they are establishing a pecking order, so if you are down there to watch them and break up any fights that break out they should be ok. Oh and If your giving out treats to them spread it out it in more of a line instead of a pile, that will give them all a better chance to eat and the new birds aren’t as likely to get chased off. Oh and congrats on your new chickens!!

 

[NatJ]

They're still pretty young--only 6-9 weeks old-- so I don't expect it to get bloody at all.