renaissance_man
Chirping
Hello to all of my wise, experienced chicken enthusiasts!
As of July last year, I inherited 5 hens & one rooster. Their existing coop being too small (3x4 18" tall, although with a large run) I decided to build a new 6x4 that is twice as tall (36") with 4x roosting space, dedicated nesting boxes, and doubling the run. Last weekend I finished it; Coincidentally, I heard of a flock that needed a new home (5 more hens.) Naturally, I volunteered to take them in.
The day of their arrival was the same day as the "grand opening" of the new coop, so instead of opening it up to my existing flock, I let the newcomers into the new coop while leaving the existing run separate from the new run area. So the flocks spent a day looking but not touching...
The next day, feathers seemed to smooth down and since everyone was clucking along happily, I opened it up and let them mingle. They still keep to their separate groups for the most part, but there's no fighting or pecking, so at least that's good.
Now, the pickle - how do I encourage them to roost together? They are still going to their separate coops at night, and I'm sure I could simply close off the old coop during the day, thus forcing them together, but is that good? I don't want to cause stress, hoping for a more natural acceptance / integration into the larger and more comfortable environment, but how long should I wait? Or, am I wrong, and I should close the old coop tomorrow and force them to roost together tomorrow night?
Thanks for all of your wisdom on this!
-Jim
As of July last year, I inherited 5 hens & one rooster. Their existing coop being too small (3x4 18" tall, although with a large run) I decided to build a new 6x4 that is twice as tall (36") with 4x roosting space, dedicated nesting boxes, and doubling the run. Last weekend I finished it; Coincidentally, I heard of a flock that needed a new home (5 more hens.) Naturally, I volunteered to take them in.
The day of their arrival was the same day as the "grand opening" of the new coop, so instead of opening it up to my existing flock, I let the newcomers into the new coop while leaving the existing run separate from the new run area. So the flocks spent a day looking but not touching...
The next day, feathers seemed to smooth down and since everyone was clucking along happily, I opened it up and let them mingle. They still keep to their separate groups for the most part, but there's no fighting or pecking, so at least that's good.
Now, the pickle - how do I encourage them to roost together? They are still going to their separate coops at night, and I'm sure I could simply close off the old coop during the day, thus forcing them together, but is that good? I don't want to cause stress, hoping for a more natural acceptance / integration into the larger and more comfortable environment, but how long should I wait? Or, am I wrong, and I should close the old coop tomorrow and force them to roost together tomorrow night?
Thanks for all of your wisdom on this!
-Jim