ok , so it's only been 5 days

[katekearby]

maybe they are doing pretty well? Staying out of each others way. So sorted the hens again. Wondering how long it will be before I let them figure it out for themselves and all go night night in the coop, before winter I hope, eggs sometime soon too from these 18 week olds and 22 week olds. .

 

[sourland]

At 18 and 22 weeks, given enough space, they should be capable of being completely integrated.

 

[katekearby]

At 18 and 22 weeks, given enough space, they should be capable of being completely integrated.

thanks, the coop overnight isn't very big, upstairs about 20sq ft downstairs 40sq ft, for 7 hens? The young ones have been basically in the 'play yard' overnight with a roost up under the eve of the coop and a 55 gallon drum as a guest house if they want/need it. The coop will be warmer and is more secure, sure would love them all in there.

 

[katekearby]

well tonight I was late getting home from a meeting, I went to check on the hens, thinking it would be a crazy mess with the older girls wanting to go to their main upstairs night coop. What did i find, the 3 new girls roosting on an area not designed for roost, and Themal, the boss hen Rock sitting next to them... With the door opened on the upstairs I didn't close the downstairs door to the play yard. I hope them 'sleeping together' means they are ok with the idea, and I can expect them to go free range together like one flock tomorrow?
photo is the 3 new girls I opened this door during the day cause it's hot and they were hiding from the old gals up there.