New flock members

[lilJay68]

How long does it typically take for your current flock to accept new members?
I have 5 hens, 19 weeks old.
I am trying to introduce 2 hens, 10 weeks old.
This process is probably stressing me out more than it is them, and I've only been trying for a week.

 

[aart]

Will take more than a week, be patient and calm....some notes below that might help.


Integration of new chickens to flock.

Consider medical quarantine.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact. Integrating new birds of equal size works best.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places to hide out of line of sight and/or up and away from bully birds.


Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

X2 you need to quarantine the new birds for at least 2 weeks to make sure they aren't sick.

Depending on the method, introducing can take anywhere from a week to a couple months. The best and most effective method is the see but don't touch method.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/06/integrating-new-flock-members-playpen.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

You need extra feeders and waterers and places for the new birds to hide away. Space is also necessary. Interfere if there is blood shed. For this to work correctly you are going to have to be patient.

Hope it works out.

 

[lilJay68]

Thank you! I quarantined the new members for a month.
This information was exactly what I was looking for!