New coop/run and introduction of 2 different flocks

[ForeverKailer]

I have a new coop and run that has never housed chickens. I have a unique opportunity to adopt chickens from 2 different sources. I have a friend that is gifting me some of her chickens (4 of them) and shortly after she said she wanted to give me chickens a lady that I had worked with needs to give up her chickens (4). Will this be a good idea to bring 2 different flocks together into neutral ground at the same time? How would one go about doing this? When I do a search the only resources I find are introducing new chickens to an already established flock.

I forgot to mention that both groups are young and are just about ready to lay their first eggs.

 

[snow5164]

This might be a good thing as no one is established their favourite spots yet . Are they all full grown ?

I might just try putting them together and see how they react. Good luck and have fun

 

[llombardo]

Wishing you the best of luck. It's gotta be easier then mixing two younger groups.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

WELCOME!! I hope that you enjoy BYC as much as we all do! You're going to have so much fun with these new birds!
I agree with snow5164. Since they are two separate flocks ( and not separate birds ) then it should be okay because they have each other, and they shouldn't be bullied too bad, only the usual pecking order behavior. Are they different ages, or are they all full grown? Good luck!

 

[llombardo]

What would normal pecking behavior be? And is it common for them to make different noises when integrating? They really don't sound like happy noises to me, that's why I ask.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

What would normal pecking behavior be? And is it common for them to make different noises when integrating? They really don't sound like happy noises to me, that's why I ask.

Yes, they will pick on each other for quite a bit... don't be alarmed. This is what they do to see who's top dog! They will fight with each other and make squawking sounds of all kinds, but all will be good once they discover there place.

 

[llombardo]

Yes, they will pick on each other for quite a bit... don't be alarmed. This is what they do to see who's top dog! They will pick on one another and make squawking sounds, but all will be good once they discover there place.

I've had better luck putting dogs together that hate each other. I would have never guessed how hard it is to put chickens together, not in a million years. The darn boy(4 months old) flat out pinned the 8!week old brahma girl. I seriously could not believe my eyes. There isn't no pecking here, they are trying to kill each other--I swear.

 

[llombardo]

Please update how it goes. Next time I'll know to get adults

 

[BirdGirl2004]

I've had better luck putting dogs together that hate each other. I would have never guessed how hard it is to put chickens together, not in a million years. The darn boy(4 months old) flat out pinned the 8!week old brahma girl. I seriously could not believe my eyes. There isn't no pecking here, they are trying to kill each other--I swear.

awww. I'm sorry. I've had this experience. Especially if there is boys in the mix it might take them a little bit longer to know there boundaries! The cockerel is just trying to find his place as well (cockerel becoming a rooster... lol)

 

[aart]

I have a new coop and run that has never housed chickens. I have a unique opportunity to adopt chickens from 2 different sources. I have a friend that is gifting me some of her chickens (4 of them) and shortly after she said she wanted to give me chickens a lady that I had worked with needs to give up her chickens (4). Will this be a good idea to bring 2 different flocks together into neutral ground at the same time? How would one go about doing this? When I do a search the only resources I find are introducing new chickens to an already established flock.

I forgot to mention that both groups are young and are just about ready to lay their first eggs.

Welcome to BYC!

First, is your coop and run big enough for 8 birds?
Don't go by what the coop manufacturer says, get out your tape measure.
How big is it, in feet by feet?
Pics would be most helpful.

Are all these bird females?

Tho putting 2 groups together in a brand new place can be a bit of an advantage as far as the territoriality aspect integration goes, getting birds that are not newly hatched chicks from 2 different sources doubles your risk of bringing in pests and disease.

Think about what your goals are for keeping chickens and how many you can really house...crowding in an ugly thing to deal with.