new birds

[fil76]

can I introduce new birds to my flock in a run as they don't free range my run is 8 x 15ft for 10 birds
cheers fil

 

[Hybridchucks]

Welcome to BYC! Thanks for joining! It's awesome to have you here with us! I'm not sure.. I'll leave it to the experts

 

[featheredplanets]

You will need to quarantine and intergrate your new chickens. Here are one of the many articles I found on intergration https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-chickens-step-by-step.72815/

Also, I hope I can learn and people correct me if I'm wrong I'm still newish to this. In a permanent run, the minimum is 10sqft? But bigger is better. I had a go at head maths and got your run to 120sqft? But even if I'm very wrong on that, 8x15 sounds small for too many newbies, how many girls do you plan on adding?

 

[fil76]

You will need to quarantine and intergrate your new chickens. Here are one of the many articles I found on intergration https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-chickens-step-by-step.72815/

Also, I hope I can learn and people correct me if I'm wrong I'm still newish to this. In a permanent run, the minimum is 10sqft? But bigger is better. I had a go at head maths and got your run to 120sqft? But even if I'm very wrong on that, 8x15 sounds small for too many newbies, how many girls do you plan on adding?

I already have 10 birds & want to ad 2 more

 

[Stayc]

Hello i agree with @featheredplanets that they should be quarantined for 2 weeks prior to integration. How old are those you are intergrating? Im new to chickens as well so I'm unsure of the space per chicken. Do you have roosters in your current flock? Are you only introducing a pair of hens?

 

[featheredplanets]

I already have 10 birds & want to ad 2 more

If I was right then you'd have 10sqft per hen/pullet but I'll wait for the eggsperts. I would take great care in the integration process because it's highly likely they'll get 'picked on' while the new pecking order is established. Do they have plenty to do in the run to keep them entertained?

 

[fil76]

yes tree stumps roost cabbage on a string
cheers fil

 

[fil76]

Hello i agree with @featheredplanets that they should be quarantined for 2 weeks prior to integration. How old are those you are intergrating? Im new to chickens as well so I'm unsure of the space per chicken. Do you have roosters in your current flock? Are you only introducing a pair of hens?

I am after a pair of hens for broody birds (no roosters )

 

[Stayc]

I am after a pair of hens for broody birds (no roosters )

So if you are buying day old chicks and you have broody hens on the nest you could take the eggs and replace them with the chicks. No need to quarantine. Heres a link with all the info:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-put-day-old-chicks-under-a-broody-hen.503722/

 

[Mrs. K]

Do take a good look at your run. Is it just an open rectangle? It will look more cluttered but it will be much better for all your hens if you look at the third dimension of space, the vertical dimension.

Do make sure that there are places to roost in the run. Add pallets and create blind spots from the current feeder, where a second or even a 3rd feed station can be set up, out of sight of the others. A pallet leaned up against the wall, saw horses or old ladders can really take advantage of the 3rd dimension. Do make sure all hideouts have two exits, to avoid a trap.

These allow a subordinate bird to get out of the sight of a dominant bird. Allows them to eat and drink in peace, out of sight of other birds. It allows them to get away from other birds. They will do much to help with the integration of two new birds.

If the new birds are much younger than the current birds, a one way gate can be very helpful allowing small birds to escape into a safe zone where the bigger birds cannot chase them.

Mrs K