Question about integrating separate flocks of pullets

[FeatherQueen3]

I have separate pullet orders that are about 7 weeks apart. My question is, if the two groups are integrated with group one being 14 weeks old and group two being 7 weeks old, will the pecking order establishment be as big of an issue as it would be say, if integrating pullets with laying hens?? Thanks.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I think it's harder to integrate chicks to older chicks. Adults tend to not be bothered by new chicks as they know that the chicks will be a the bottom of the pecking order. With chicks to chicks, the pecking order is still being worked out, so sometimes you will see more aggression between them. Expect them to remain separate flocks until they mature.

The more room you give everyone the less chance of problems.

 

[FeatherQueen3]

I think it's harder to integrate chicks to older chicks. Adults tend to not be bothered by new chicks as they know that the chicks will be a the bottom of the pecking order. With chicks to chicks, the pecking order is still being worked out, so sometimes you will see more aggression between them. Expect them to remain separate flocks until they mature.

The more room you give everyone the less chance of problems.

Oh no! I never thought of it that way! I was thinking (hoping) since they are all “immature” they would be more accepting. Boo!

 

[FC16]

If it’s possible for you to be able to introduce them with a fence/any sort of barrier in between them where they can see each other, you can see how they react to each other. Sometimes you can get lucky and they won’t be bothered by each other. How much space do you have? As mentioned above if you have a lot of space it’s unlikely for there to be any serious issues as they have plenty of room to get away.
Also, what breeds are they? As even at a younger age if you have a more ‘commonly docile’ breed then it tends to be easier.
For example some of my chickens have RIR in them which causes a lot of chaos at times

 

[FeatherQueen3]

If it’s possible for you to be able to introduce them with a fence/any sort of barrier in between them where they can see each other, you can see how they react to each other. Sometimes you can get lucky and they won’t be bothered by each other. How much space do you have? As mentioned above if you have a lot of space it’s unlikely for there to be any serious issues as they have plenty of room to get away.
Also, what breeds are they? As even at a younger age if you have a more ‘commonly docile’ breed then it tends to be easier.
For example some of my chickens have RIR in them which causes a lot of chaos at times

I can put temporary netting up in the run. They are no certain breeds, they are coming from random assortments so a lot of variety.

 

[FC16]

I can put temporary netting up in the run. They are no certain breeds, they are coming from random assortments so a lot of variety.

Ok well I’d definitely try that to get an idea of how they’ll be around each other, after some time they’ll get used to each other without actually being able to attack. Eventually when you remove the netting there will be some inevitable fighting to establish a pecking order (most likely the younger ones won’t fight back and will quickly accept their place), as long as they don’t draw blood/ take it too far you have to sort of let them get on with it and they’ll all get used to each other.

 

[aart]

Yes, sometimes integration goes smooth as silk.
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Here's some tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[ajsgreenthumb301]

I think it's harder to integrate chicks to older chicks. Adults tend to not be bothered by new chicks as they know that the chicks will be a the bottom of the pecking order. With chicks to chicks, the pecking order is still being worked out, so sometimes you will see more aggression between them. Expect them to remain separate flocks until they mature.

The more room you give everyone the less chance of problems.

So glad you brought up this observation. Newbie here and I have 2 orders of pullets coming in the next few weeks- 1st group of 6 (hatch date Jan 11) 2nd group of 3 (hatch date Feb1). I was told by the breeder that bio-security should be practiced more than anything because the last thing a newbie needs is having 2 sick flocks to care for.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So glad you brought up this observation. Newbie here and I have 2 orders of pullets coming in the next few weeks- 1st group of 6 (hatch date Jan 11) 2nd group of 3 (hatch date Feb1). I was told by the breeder that bio-security should be practiced more than anything because the last thing a newbie needs is having 2 sick flocks to care for.

If you are getting them from a hatchery they should technically be "clean" as most hatcheries don't want to spread diseases. Those from private sellers may carry stuff. It depends on whether the person hatching keeps them clean and keeps a clean flock.

You do want to be careful with new chicks being mixed with adults before the 2-4 weeks time so chicks have a chance to build immunity, and gain strength before being exposed to diseases your flock may carry.

If you brood the batches with a fence between them until the younger ones are at least 2 weeks you may be able to let them mingle after that without problems. It can depend on the situation and chicks.

 

[Mrs. K]

How many chicks are you talking? The more makes for better integration, cause a mean bird can't chase everyone. But they can kill one or two or three...

So are you talking a dozen chicks, or 2 chicks. Are we talking a brooder measure in feet or in inches.

Numbers and space - are the biggest issues.

Mrs K