Thinking off adding but...

[Mrs. K]

I agree with adding another feed bowl, water bowl and separating the feed bowls in different areas. I currently have 3 set up for 15 head.

I don't think it was the car, you just got lucky. By getting birds from a larger flock both times, they are used to chicken society. Know the rules, know the cues.

You just got lucky, but if something happens and you need new birds, I would go back there.

Enjoy, this is such a fun hobby. Eventually try chicks, they are fun too. So many aspects to this hobby.

Mrs K

 

[Col1948]

Well I'm waiting for some new nest boxes, should be here sometime next week, then I'm going to change things around, perhaps I should have done that first before I got the new additions.
I was thinking of separate roosts as well.

 

[aart]

Well I'm waiting for some new nest boxes, should be here sometime next week, then I'm going to change things around, perhaps I should have done that first before I got the new additions.
I was thinking of separate roosts as well.

I would get the second roost up today, like now, cause close to roost time there, eh?

Other changes are OK, they sometimes freak out about them, so might want to wait until newbies settle for a week before changing anything else.

 

[Col1948]

I read your mind, I just done it lol.

 

[snow5164]

I learned that getting your birds from the same place can make for an easier transition. They were together before from birth and you know the owners too

That’s a bonus and I’m glad it worked out for you , LUCK had nothing to do with it being from the same flock eased the transition for them .

Enjoy your flock

 

[Col1948]

Thanks snow, I have a couple of hours yet before the birds bedtime, the fun may start then lol.

Col.

 

[aart]

luck had nothing to do with it being from the same flock eased the transition.

Ehhh, I've read too many stories of similar situation(birds separated for a couple-few weeks) that did not go well. Same flock and same young age probably helped for sure, but luck played a part for Col for sure.

 

[Perris]

if you haven't sold the small coop yet, and you have the room, I would follow @aart 's advice and keep it; you never know when it'll come in handy as broody coop or hospital wing or newby house.

 

[Col1948]

Well they have not been too bad all day out and about, got the odd chase away sometimes but it was just a few yards, like 'Stay away from me' type of thing.

Anyway as it got bedtime that is when it began, the original 3 chased the 2 new girls off, in fact one of the new girls attempted to jump the fence but it was too high or she would have gone.
So I tricked the 2 new ones, I left the conservatory door open and one went in, so I grabbed her inside and put her in the old coop.
I did the same with the other one, so now they are both in the old coop, I made sure they have clean bedding and straw.

So in the morning is it best just to keep them in the old coop, it has a small run, and just keep them there for a while?

Col.

 

[aart]

Nice catch!

So in the morning is it best just to keep them in the old coop, it has a small run, and just keep them there for a while?

I'd say so, yes...did before
Leave them in that out in the yard/garden for a few days, to 'home' them.
Then free range them together for a week or so, new birds should go back to small coop at night to roost. Then one night put new birds in main coop well after full dark...see how it goes. Just one idea, it'll take some juggling, but you don't want new birds being bullied over fence and gone.