Pullet Help!

[Beakner]

I introduced two nine to twelve week old Barred Rock pullets today to a little flock consisting of four Gold Comet hens, each being around 13 to 14 months old.

My problem is that I have no additional space in which to keep the two pullets until the hens have adjusted to them.

When I picked them up today I had no idea they would be so small; otherwise I would have purchased a laying hen instead. When the seller told me she had a few pullets I was under the impression they would be close to maturity instead of being weeks away. Chalk it up to inexperience.

Right now I have all of them in their run, and so far so good. Aside from a peck here and there, then hens have let them be for the most part.

Should I be concerned? When the hens go to roost tonight, should I place the pullets in the coop all the same?

Please help.

 

[Tylt33]

I believe you should keep the new birds separated until your resident hens are sound asleep, and then place the pullets in the sleeping quarters.

 

[Beakner]

Quote:
I'll make sure to do it tonight. Thanks!

The interesting thing is that they have separated themselves by choice, it seems. On one side of the run I see my four hens standing together; and on the other side I see the two pullets. Between them is about seven feet.

Any other suggestions?

 

[McGoo]

Typically the suggestion is to quarantine the new ones, but you've already put them together. So just keep a close eye on them to be sure that you catch any possible diseases early.

I too, have small ones (7 wks) w/full grown hens and they stay separated and sneak into the coop when the others aren't looking and/or have already gone inside. Mine where raised by one of the big gals, but she is no longer concerned about them - they range totally on their own.

So I'd say, keep an eye on them, but let them work things out. If you see super nasty stuff - put up a barrier between them.

Just my two cents.