new flock won't integrate with old

[amifer]

We recently added 3 new hens and 2 new roos to our existing flock of 6 hens. They are all about same age (almost 1 year). The fighting seems to be over, but the newly added chickens won't have anything to do with the original flock. They keep to separate sides of the coop. I would like to let them out to free range, but I'm afraid the roos wouldn't protect the original hens. Any suggestions for getting them friendly with each other? Thanks.

 

[Cats Critters]

First you have too many roos to hens, about 8-10 hens to a roo, It helps prevent injury and feathers being ripped off the back.

but the newly added chickens won't have anything to do with the original flock.

Just give them time, mine took months to mix and they will probably be fine free-ranging any way.​

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
Just give them time, mine took months to mix and they will probably be fine free-ranging any way.

Mine as well-I still look outside and see them in their little cliques from time to time. If I were you, I would add a few more hens to the mix(to get the hen-rooster ration righ).
Good luck.

 

[Leonrobin]

Might take a long while. I've seen chickens not accept "the other girls"
for some time. Think of Jr. high teenage girl clicks. Chickens are much the same.

 

[eastbaychicks]

Quote:
I integrated two flocks and has serious troubles for a while. I think the best thing I did was keep them together free ranging where they could run away if needed, but still in the yard together. After a few stressful things happened... cats on fences and the like they wound up sticking together. I do see them in their "clicks" still, but at least they get along. It will work out.

They may never be best friends, but they will be able to live together. Just make sure they have a separate place to sleep at night. I have two rows of roosting bars at the same level, and they come in handy. The two groups used to sleep on different roosts. Now that they are all laying and a few birds have left (very sad!!!) the pecking order has been rearranged and they are more mixed in now, but it took a few birds being gone for that to happen. For now they all live together and I have no injuries.