Young with Old

[menatsha]

I just got (15) 5 month old hens and a rooster. Do I need to keep them separate from my old (28) hens and (4) roosters? Or can I let them free range together without problems?

 

[BantamLover21]

I just got (15) 5 month old hens and a rooster. Do I need to keep them separate from my old (28) hens and (4) roosters? Or can I let them free range together without problems?

I think that it would be fine if you let your 5 month old hens in with your older birds. There will probably be some squawking and fighting, but they will most likely work things out in the end. I'd watch your roosters carefully, though--both roosters and hens fight, but rooster fights can be deadly.

However, before putting them together, isolate your new birds for 2 weeks. Observe them for any signs of disease (coughing, sneezing, swelling of the face, bloody droppings, etc.). It is a common mistake to introduce new birds into an existing flock without having quarantined the new-comers, and the result is often a flock of sick birds. After the 2 weeks, assuming their are no disease symptoms, you can put all of your birds together.

 

[menatsha]

Great, thanks for the help! I put the new ones in an enclosed fence area!