New flock members

[mollylee]

Chicken friends: I added 2 five month old pullets to my existing flock of 4 today. As you can see by the picture, I had them in their own section of the run away from the others so they could see but not touch. I just went out to check on them and the new girls managed to escape and are roosting with the others!
1. How did they get out, fence is taller than me!
2. Is it ok to leave them for the night?
3. Should I put them back in their own space in the morning? Had planned on at least a week of separation...

Sorry for all the Q’s...first flock expansion!

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Miss Piggy Sue says, “Welcome to our eggcelent flock here at BYC!”

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to active posting! Nice to meet you.
Well, it's not like you were keeping them separate to quarantine. Looks like they integrated themselves. As long as you have lots of space and they are not getting beat on too badly, I'd leave them be.
Keep a close eye on both sub-flocks for signs of illness, coccidiosis in particular. Have Corid on hand in case you see signs of an outbreak.

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome! Good luck with your flock and the new one's!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. As suggested, leave them be - I’m sure they will be fine. I had the same experience with two new birds joining the main flock in the coop and they were fine.

 

[aart]

1. How did they get out, fence is taller than me!
2. Is it ok to leave them for the night?
3. Should I put them back in their own space in the morning? Had planned on at least a week of separation...

1. They are sneaky and can be obsessively determined.
If you really want to know, put them back in there and watch.
2. Yes.
3. Only if you see problems.

 

[Ridgerunner]

1. How did they get out, fence is taller than me!

Either under the wire, over the top, or they squeezed between the fabric and a post or however your overlapped the wire.

2. Is it ok to leave them for the night?
&
3. Should I put them back in their own space in the morning? Had planned on at least a week of separation...

At 5 months I'd leave them alone and observe. If they are getting beat up to the point of it being bloody or relentless I'd separate them. Otherwise let them go.

 

[Mrs. K]

You got lucky, thank the Gods, and move on. Often times, I have had this when I add birds. I am pretty sure you have enough room, your new birds are ready to lay, and are naturally not going to be a victim.

Win/Win

Mrs K