Wanting to add older hens!

[hcalli33]

Just got offered to take some laying hens but all I have right now are three 3-month old orpingtons and I want to know if I can introduce those hens to these babies and if I can how should I do it? Thanks!

 

[firestomp]

Just got offered to take some laying hens but all I have right now are three 3-month old orpingtons and I want to know if I can introduce those hens to these babies and if I can how should I do it? Thanks!

first ask why they are getting rid of them, are they old, is the place clean or a nasty stinking mess, ask the tough questions, if you don't like the answers or conditions you see, just say no thanks. Quarantine the new ones for at least a week, for health reasons, two is better yet, check under wings and vent for parasites mites, lice. IF you decide to get them, Put them near each other so they can see each other, in a separate or divided area for another week, they will be used to each other, but, they will work out the pecking order once all are together, odds are the older ones will be dominant. BE REAL CAREFUL TAKING IN OTHER BIRDS. Search this on here under introducing chickens, I am sure there are a huge number of ideas about it.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I would not do it, closed flock only bring in day olds. Too much can go wrong. Not worth it.

Good luck

Gary

 

[hcalli33]

I would not do it, closed flock only bring in day olds. Too much can go wrong. Not worth it.

Good luck

Gary

Thank you!

 

[aart]

I would advise against it also.

 

[hcalli33]

first ask why they are getting rid of them, are they old, is the place clean or a nasty stinking mess, ask the tough questions, if you don't like the answers or conditions you see, just say no thanks. Quarantine the new ones for at least a week, for health reasons, two is better yet, check under wings and vent for parasites mites, lice. IF you decide to get them, Put them near each other so they can see each other, in a separate or divided area for another week, they will be used to each other, but, they will work out the pecking order once all are together, odds are the older ones will be dominant. BE REAL CAREFUL TAKING IN OTHER BIRDS. Search this on here under introducing chickens, I am sure there are a huge number of ideas about it.

Thanks for the info! The older birds are from a family friend. They belong to her father who is getting too old and health issues are keeping him from being able to do the things he used to. They are 6 white leghorn hens about 4 yrs old.

 

[hcalli33]

Thank you!

You recommend only bringing in babies at this point or just none at all?

 

[hcalli33]

I would advise against it also.

Thank you! I'm glad I got some input on this.

 

[aart]

You recommend only bringing in babies at this point or just none at all?

Chicks from a hatchery pretty much eliminates bringing in any pests or disease,
not so from any other source.
True quarantine is about impossible to do in a backyard situation.
Bringing in new birds is a risk you will have to assess for yourself and your flock.
These links probably don't work...I'll try to fix them....
...but do a search on 'quarantine'.

Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
BYC 'quarantine' search

But even just integrating new birds works best with some 'extra' space and management.

It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[hcalli33]

Awesome and very much appreciated info! Thanks again so very much!