Question on integration?

[SunnyCalifornia]

Integrating is always hard, 'cause somebody always ends up the underdog. I was wondering, if its helpful at all to mix things up a bit at integration time, i.e. sequester the bossy hens, let the newbies mix with the the mid-low range pecking order birds, then bring back the bossy hens after a week or two?

This time around I not only have 4-5 month olds, but also a broody with babies.

Thoughts? My big coop is the coolest this summer, and I'd love to move my 4 teenagers in there as soon as possible.

 

[gritsar]

It's a idea to sequester the bossy girls, but I'm not sure it would help. Somebody's gonna step up real quick and take their place.

 

[lovinlife]

I keep my young chickens in a pen that opens up to the main run. They're used to the location and they're used to the older flock. I only start integration when the older flock is free-ranging. I'll open the gate and allow the brave young ones to explore the main run. They rarely go out of the main run the first day or two. Once I open the adjoining gate, I usually have no problems. Eventually, I move the young ones to the roosts in the main run at night and shut the gate to the small pen. I've never had problems doing it like that.