Upgrading my coop... Is this the time to add??

[ChickenGuyBry]

Hello everyone and thanks in advance for all opinions... I currently have 5 hens (all about a year old) and will be moving them to a different location on my property, and into much bigger coop, this spring. Is this the time to add to my flock or is it best to wait until everyone is comfortable.... Thanks again!

 

[Pork Pie]

Better to introduce them to the coop at the same time - it prevents territorial "disputes". I would still advise taking steps to integrate them prior to moving the existing flock and new birds to the new coop. The more familiar they are with each other, the smoother the integration. This link may be helpful - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

 

[Flock Master64]

Better to introduce them to the coop at the same time - it prevents territorial "disputes". I would still advise taking steps to integrate them prior to moving the existing flock and new birds to the new coop. The more familiar they are with each other, the smoother the integration. This link may be helpful - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

Thats great advice. Thats exactly what I would do.

 

[Teila]

I agree with Ken’s good advice.

After quarantine, I would ensure that they could look but not touch until the new coop is ready and then put them all in it together. As it is new territory, hopefully this will alleviate someone defending their territory and they will all start out on an equal playing field.

Good luck! Please let us know how it goes.

 

[Mrs. K]

I think it depends on the size and number of new birds. If these are young birds, you might give them the home field advantage by letting them in the new setup, so as to figure out the hideouts, feed stations and water set ups. Then add the older girls.

Personally, chickens hate change. So if the new birds are full size birds, I would put everyone in the new digs all at one time. Yes there will be some ruffled feathers, but the strangeness of the new place, strange new birds, will all be gotten over at one time. Less disruption to egg laying.

Mrs K