So I unsuccessfully attempted to intergrate my 3 6 week old girls with my 2 16 week girls..the big girls r being nasty...and my mom is trying to intergrate he 2 6 week old girls with her 3 16 week old girls..not going well...chickies r scared and big girls r mean. So I went to my mom's today and took her 3 16 week olds and put them in my coop...my 2 16 week olds are free ranging...will they flip out when the come back to the coop and see the new roomates????? I gave my 3 6 week olds to my mom..so now she has 5 6 week old chickies...At least I know the 5 6 week old girls will get along because they have been together in the brooder since we got them...my mom will have it easy..but what about me????
Somewhere on here I read that if you integrate them at dusk, after they've roosted, you may have an easier time of it. The chickens will have a period of adjustment in which they will establish their own pecking order. Just try to be patient & keep an eye on them to make sure none of the younger ones are getting injured. Good luck!
I don't even try to put younger ones with older one until the younger ones are at least 16 weeks. But that's what I made pens for.
If you wait until after dark, and then put them on the roost beside the "old" girls they usually do better. Be up there the next morning with some treats and they should be OK. They will act like two separate groups for a while (sometimes about a month) but they should not fight much.
thanks everyone..the 3 new roomates r in the run..and the 2 originals r free ranging..aren't paying them much mind...i thought they would remember being in the brooder with each other for their 1st 5 weeks of life..and have a great reunion..but no such luck...hopefully they will be nice tonight when they all go to roost.
I dont know where i read it but it is easier to introduce new chickens at dusk.......I did it with a hen and my rooster come out of the coop and looked at her and then he guided her into the coop........................and just to say im glad i got my rooster he is so nice and friendly (except to predators)........
