Waaay overthinking integrating new pullets!

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

Hello! I have 2 Silkie pullets who are about 16 weeks now. Kept them inside because we had a few heat waves but they’re well due to go out. They’ve been outdoors for several hours daily since they were a few weeks old. They tend to stay pretty separated from the flock in our big run extension. The older girls generally tolerate but will pick on them here and there. They’ve never been closed in our secure run or coop together though.

Finally think tonight will be the night they go out, and have a few questions. Should I keep them out all day and put them in the closed run with the girls to find the coop themselves, or put them in the coop at night? We have a couple of bullies who are a bit broody right now too…should I remove them tonight or just play it by ear and see how they all do? The “bullies” are probably not being overly aggressive, just normal pecking order, but seems rough to me (though no blood drawn).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mrs. K]

I would just let them out to free range with the big girls - probably some dust ups, a squirt gun can break those up. Let them together in the late afternoon.

 

[aart]

They’ve never been closed in our secure run or coop together though.

I'd keep the new birds in the coop and run and the older birds out free ranging for a few days before trying to put the new birds in the coop. This will give the new birds a chance to get to know the territory with out being harassed.

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

I'd keep the new birds in the coop and run and the older birds out free ranging for a few days before trying to put the new birds in the coop. This will give the new birds a chance to get to know the territory with out being harassed.

Ended up putting them in but this is a great suggestion. They’d explored the coop and run a couple of times but this morning were very confused about getting out with the other girls.

 

[Chickenma2021]

Hello! I have 2 Silkie pullets who are about 16 weeks now. Kept them inside because we had a few heat waves but they’re well due to go out. They’ve been outdoors for several hours daily since they were a few weeks old. They tend to stay pretty separated from the flock in our big run extension. The older girls generally tolerate but will pick on them here and there. They’ve never been closed in our secure run or coop together though.

Finally think tonight will be the night they go out, and have a few questions. Should I keep them out all day and put them in the closed run with the girls to find the coop themselves, or put them in the coop at night? We have a couple of bullies who are a bit broody right now too…should I remove them tonight or just play it by ear and see how they all do? The “bullies” are probably not being overly aggressive, just normal pecking order, but seems rough to me (though no blood drawn).

Thanks in advance!

I would just put them with the rest of the flock like usual. A bit of fighting at the start is normal, they are establishing where they are in the the pecking order. And for the "Bullies" I would slowly introduce the new pullets, like through a fence first. As long as there is no injuries or blood all is good! I know it will seem bad (It scared me at first) The pecking and flapping is all normal.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Ended up putting them in but this is a great suggestion. They’d explored the coop and run a couple of times but this morning were very confused about getting out with the other girls.

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