I was doing ok for the first few of days keeping 4 new chickens apart from my flock of 6. The newbies stayed in the run, the flock got the coop. When I let my flock out to free range, I'd open the door between the coop and run so the newbies could check it out. Well, Tues. night, I couldn't get the newbies all out of the coop. One wedged herself in a tight corner that I couldn't get to. So, I let her stay for the night.
Nobody died, but I think she did some talking to her three friends, because last night I couldn't get all 4 out of there at one time so I could shut the door! They were on the perches and wanted to stay. I'd get one out, and another would slip through the door while I was putting that one out. SHeesh! Meantime, my flock is at the outer door squacking about "let us in, darnit, it's bedtime mom!!"
So, I caved and let them all roost together. Of course this AM, no one wanted to cooperate and go in their segregated places for the day. So they are together. The run is 8 x 20 and the coop is 8 x 8 - so lots of space. My hope is that since they are all older, no pullets, and it's 6 on 4 (old girls vs. new girls) that there won't be any bloodshed when I get home. The one I worry about most is a scaredy cat Ameraucana, but she can run FAST and wedge into tight places. (If she were a child, I'd swear she was abused as a toddler! She YELLS when I just touch her! This one won't be tame for a good long time.)
Do I need to keep trying to seperate them? I don't personally know the farm they came from, but they do appear to be in excellent health, aside from 2 coming to the end of a big moult.
Also, how long before I could let the 4 new ones out to free range and expect them to come back to the coop to roost for the night -- I wouldn't want to lose any of them!
Nobody died, but I think she did some talking to her three friends, because last night I couldn't get all 4 out of there at one time so I could shut the door! They were on the perches and wanted to stay. I'd get one out, and another would slip through the door while I was putting that one out. SHeesh! Meantime, my flock is at the outer door squacking about "let us in, darnit, it's bedtime mom!!"
So, I caved and let them all roost together. Of course this AM, no one wanted to cooperate and go in their segregated places for the day. So they are together. The run is 8 x 20 and the coop is 8 x 8 - so lots of space. My hope is that since they are all older, no pullets, and it's 6 on 4 (old girls vs. new girls) that there won't be any bloodshed when I get home. The one I worry about most is a scaredy cat Ameraucana, but she can run FAST and wedge into tight places. (If she were a child, I'd swear she was abused as a toddler! She YELLS when I just touch her! This one won't be tame for a good long time.)
Do I need to keep trying to seperate them? I don't personally know the farm they came from, but they do appear to be in excellent health, aside from 2 coming to the end of a big moult.
Also, how long before I could let the 4 new ones out to free range and expect them to come back to the coop to roost for the night -- I wouldn't want to lose any of them!
