YAY!!! The integration process is over!

[Nicole01]

WOOT! Finally, I never thought this day would come. My two small flocks are finally integrated together after 3 long weeks. It's not perfect, but the 13 week olds are no longer chasing the 7-12 week girls and hard pecking. I no longer have to separate them using the dog kennel.

It started out being a nightmare and I had to intervene, so the little ones wouldn't get hurt. Especially my bantam d'uccle. Right now they are all in the run, after 3 weeks. Once in a while the two groups mix together. Mostly they stay separated in the run. They all sleep together and are fine when lights are out. The babies are allowed to stay in the run without being chased.

I'm so happy!

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Yay! Congratulations!

 

[AlienChick]

I'm happy for you!

 

[Nicole01]

Thank you! I feel like it's a dream and not really happening.lol

 

[chi-rn]

I have 11-weekers I'm trying to integrate with my 1st year hens. I envy you! Congratulations!

 

[Nicole01]

Quote:
Good luck! This was my first integration. Who'd ever think it would be so difficult, especially with everyone at a pretty young age. I hope your year old hens accept the 11 week olds soon.

 

[Moxiechick]

Congratulations! I just did the same thing last week. 'Tis a wonderful thing when they're all together!

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

More! More! I want to hear details!

I live in fear of having to do this. Luckily my broody hen took on my new chicks so they are "grandfathered in" so to speak since there's only one other hen and she's now vastly outnumbered and is keeping a respectful distance.

But I may not always be so lucky so would like to hear the play by play

 

[urbancountrygal]

I have to do this soon. I have 8-9/10wk olds and 12 -1 month old chicks. I might have a roo though, so I am hoping that will help the process. They free range together now but stay far apart. Do you have a roo?

 

[cmom]

I know not all integrations go good. I just put three boys with some girls and there was a little pecking but nothing serious. The boys are 14 weeks and the girls are 10 weeks.