new girls introduction and roost

[andrewsg]

Hi
I want to introduce 2 new girls to the two 3-4month olds I have now . whats the best way to approach this ? also the two I have never had a roost (previous owner) they sleep in the nest box I have a roost in the cop that they don't use . if they are sleeping in the box will that affect the egg laying? do I need to add another box? Help Please

 

[drumstick diva]

You don't want them sleeping in the nest boxes because they will end up pooping in there. That's not something you want on your eggs. For now block the opening to the nest boxes so they cannot get in. Then put them on the roost manually at dusk, close the coop door and leave. Birds don't like to move in the dark, so they will stay put till morning.

 

[andrewsg]

I'm on it thanks

 

[N F C]

x2 on drumstick diva's advice. Chickens poop a lot at night and sleeping in the nesting boxes can make a big mess.

Before you add more chickens, read up on integration. Simply put, first you need to isolate the new birds away from your existing flock for 30 days to be sure they aren't carrying an illness or pest. Then use the "look but don't touch" method so they can all see each other without being able to fight...it takes a while for chickens to warm up to new birds. You can do this by simply dividing the coop/run with something like plastic fencing. Here is a helpful article from the Learning Center on integration: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

Good luck to you, thanks for joining us!

 

[andrewsg]

If there is a window /vent near roost might that keep them from the roost bar? Or is it just because that's what they are accustomed to do you think?

 

[sunflour]

My gals prefer the roost positions near the windows. Sounds like the lack of roost experience with the former owner is the cause. Consider really low roosts, block them out of the nests and bet they'll transition to the roost, since it is their instinct to do so. Once they do, then elevate the roosts.

 

[N F C]

My gals prefer the roost positions near the windows. Sounds like the lack of roost experience with the former owner is the cause. Consider really low roosts, block them out of the nests and bet they'll transition to the roost, since it is their instinct to do so. Once they do, then elevate the roosts.

My girls all push and shove to be nearest to the windows too. Some of them make an effort to be first in at night to put 'dibs' on those spaces. I wonder if it's something instinctual or just peculiar to certain birds? Or maybe there's more air flow there?

Glad to know mine aren't the only ones that do that!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!