Sucessful Integration of my 2 flocks

[DonnaBelle]

Last night we went for it and opened the door between the 3 RIR adult hens, with their big Rooster (Taliban) and the 48 RIR 10 week old chicks.

A few chick feathers were on the ground (maybe 8 or 10) but today everyone was getting along fine.

They do have 2 big runs, each one about 35 ft. square, so everyone can stretch out.

I had been racking my brain, but my husband said lets just put them in together, they've been looking at each other through chicken wire for about 6 weeks.

Mr. Taliban is definately in charge though, that chicken has a lot of chicken testosterone (if chickens have testosterone).

DonnaBelle

 

[debakadeb]

Mine are co-existing but what I've found is that my adult hens want to stay in their house to make sure none of the "teens" get into it. I also have 3 BR's that are 3 weeks younger than most of the flock. They sleep in the same area but still stay together away from the rest when they have a choice.

 

[first time farmer]

Quote:
Mine do the same thing. My first hens stay together for the most part and my new ones do the same. I think that thats how it will be forever. As long as eery one is ok and not bleeding i think its ok.

 

[seminolewind]

Just put up alot of obstacles . And I hope the newbies can run fast.

 

[tdgill]

will they stay apart like that forever? it seems they prefer it. but will come for treats together fairly tamely. I have 2 separate flocks - 3 and 3. One gang is two buff orp roos and one hen. the other is a bcm roo and a cuckoo splash hen and a yellow leg muttly.

I know I have special issues due with 3 roos and few hens. even if I get more hens I can't get that many. and was wondering if I only had one roo, if they'd gang together then.

but since i have two flocks, maybe both flocks should keep their roo. that leaves me with one roo out - but he seems to be such good buddies (at 17 weeks) with his gangs other roo....that so far so good - maybe just get the orps roos some more hens - or will that be a THIRD gang?