When to let new pullet roost at night with older hen

[LisaRN]

I have one 4 year old barred rock, and have newly introduced a 15 week old black sex link pullet. At what point should I let them sleep together at night on the roost? I currently am having the new pullet sleep in her own enclosure within the coop.

 

[Mrs. K]

Really I would just let her decide. Stop locking her up in the container, leave the container in there. She may choose it, or she may choose the roost.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

It is HOT here right now, so she would be comfortable sleeping in the run temperature wise

Might look at putting some windows and vents in the dog house.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Really I would just let her decide. Stop locking her up in the container, leave the container in there. She may choose it, or she may choose the roost.

Mrs K

This.

I integrate juveniles all the time. Never one on one like you so that's a bit different. But as long as my juveniles do not sleep in my nests and sleep somewhere predator-safe, I don't care where they sleep. When they are all ready, the juvenile and the older ones, they will move to the roosts.

 

[Sonya9]

As long as they get along during the day I would let them settle it themselves at night. The older birds decide when the juveniles are "allowed" to roost with them. If your older hen won't let the pullet up on the roost don't sweat it, that is perfectly normal and will work itself out in the coming weeks.

 

[Sonya9]

Might look at putting some windows and vents in the dog house.

Good point, I just noticed the dog house pic. A window with hardware cloth to the right of the door might do the trick, though with a house that size the older hen may want the whole thing to herself for now.

It also does not look predator proof and if it isn't then IMO it doesn't really matter where the pullet sleeps as long as she doesn't get caught outside in a storm.

 

[jreardon1918]

As long as they get along during the day I would let them settle it themselves at night. The older birds decide when the juveniles are "allowed" to roost with them. If your older hen won't let the pullet up on the roost don't sweat it, that is perfectly normal and will work itself out in the coming weeks.

Our young ones are now almost 10 weeks. They moved themselves out of the in run brooder to the floor of the coop at about 7 weeks. Now two of them are on the roost, the rest sleep on a log in the coop. I imagine they will all end up on the roost soon. They are working it out themselves.

 

[Vickischics]

I have one 4 year old barred rock, and have newly introduced a 15 week old black sex link pullet. At what point should I let them sleep together at night on the roost? I currently am having the new pullet sleep in her own enclosure within the coop.

So, you only have two birds in total?
Your 4 year old BR has been a Spinster for how long now?
Please send a picture of each for size comparison.
A picture of the roost is also helpful.

 

[Vickischics]

Yes, thats sad.
Nothing is perfect and it works for you, so thats good.
Give her time. Hand feed them together. Watch so the babe doesnt get beat up.
When they are in the enclosure together have secret hideouts for the lil one for when she is chased. You can put the lil one on the roost at night after Big Mama is in for the night.
You can try it and check on her in the early morning.
Fingers are crossed.

 

[LisaRN]

Might look at putting some windows and vents in the dog house.

I have vents cut out on all sides and an extra door that has been added to the front, I also put in a small home made ice chest A/C with a fan at night.