Putting Pullets in with Chickens

[BrookB]

Hi there,
I have two grown chickens and 12 pullets which are about 18 - 20 weeks old. The chickens and pullets are not from the same flock, and have never met before. Can I put them in the same run together now without worrying about the chickens pecking at the pullets? Is there are certain perfect age to intermix pullets and chickens? Any information would be greatly appreciated, as I am new to this.

 

[Imp]

Quote:
First off

You should be OK. Your pullets are big enough to not be easy prey for the hens. You will have some pecking, and it could go either way, as they work out flock dynamics. People suggest letting them see one another before integrating them and/or putting them in on the roosts at night, so they wake up together. I pretty much just throw them together and watch CLOSELY. One time I had to pull out the dominant hen and seperate. Knocking her down a couple of pegs helped her attitude tremendously.

Good luck,

Imp

 

[nsanywhere]

In general, you can mix flocks at any age - it really depends on the number and temperment of the birds. I think 2 big and 12 small would be fine to mix. When there are more larger, or aggressive, birds than smaller ones you could have trouble.

The best way to add them is at night. Wait until the sun goes down then put the new additions in the coop. Keep any eye on them the next day - there will be some pecking and chasing, but the pecking order needs to be established so this is normal. My rule is to let all of it go, except if I see blood!

Another option, if you have the room, is to put the little ones in your coop with a section just for them. I use a large dog crate. My big chickens can't get in through the bars so the little ones have a safe place to rest, eat, etc. They venture out a little further each day - yesterday they made it all the way to the outside pen and none of the big chickens even cared. I'll remove the cage in another few weeks and voila! integrated flock

Here's what I do: