Will 2 and 2 become 4?

[Charlene]

I have 2 one+ year old BR's and 2 SLW pullets, about 6 months old.

They have been free ranging together for the last 3 months or so. They seem to get along, though they're definately still 2 and 2. They even roost on their own perches.

Will they become a group of four? For various reasons my life would be easier if they'd all roost together. I could force them too, but then I'm afraid there will be too much fighting. What do you think?

 

[cozycritters]

My different aged girls never became a 'team', they would eat together, etc, but never roosted together, there was a definite awareness of long-timers and new-comers. They never 'argued' or anything, they just were unlikely to cuddle up across that line, though each group would dust bathe together communally all the time

 

[Charlene]

I'm worried in the winter they won't be warm enough if it's just two cuddling instead of 4. Any ideas on how to get them to bond? Should I just force them to roost together?

 

[Judy]

I doubt it would work, if you mean set them on the same roost, I'll bet they would go back where they wanted. You could try, of course. But I'll also bet they will all cuddle together if they get cold in winter.

 

[cmom]

If they have been together solmewhat then put them together in the coop and let them work out their pecking order.

 

[australorpchick]

Give it time. My girls typically take at least a month to fully integrate a new pair.