[This information is a part of a set that addresses the issue of methods introducing new chickens to your existing flock, together with several related questions. To determine all articles within this series, visit Flock Integration Series.]
1. What age if the chickens be after i introduce them in to the primary flock?
It is recommended that waiting before the new chickens are nearly exactly the same size because the mature chickens inside your existing flock. Use a temporary partition inside your existing coop so the new chickens can live alongside your primary flock. For that partition, use something which the chickens can easily see through and preferably something they may also hear through and smell through, for example mesh or chicken wire. Following a couple of days, take away the partition and allow the new chickens mingle using the existing flock.
2. Youthful chickens need a different diet than mature layers. How do you accommodate this?
Should you hold back until the more youthful chickens are nearly exactly the same size because the mature chickens before you decide to combine them in to the same flock, they you will need to consume the same feed because the mature chickens, so getting separate feeds will stop being an issue.
3. The hens within my existing flock are molting? Does it stress them as well much basically introduce chickens now?
Should you do as instructed above, then presenting the brand new chickens won’t cause much additional stress, so there is no need to hang about until the molt is finished.
Resourse: http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/2011/06/21/how-to-introduce-new-chickens-into-your-flock-questions-and-solutions/
How To Introduce New Chickens To Your Existing Flock
Video COMMENTS:
redfurrymonster: A very helpful video. I have five year old hens and I have been a bit stressed about adding more. My ladies are spoiled and used to Mom giving them all of my attention. Now I feel better about adding two more;
Richard Portelli: Great video, I think the main thing I took from this was to let the pullets grow to a similar size before trying to introduce them.
Ericka Marie: We have a rooster who's got leg issues. When we've tried integration he seems to do well for a few minutes and then he'll try to assert dominance by pecking. When he does it to my low on the pecking order girls they gang up and chase him, pull his feathers out and he runs to hide behind me. He has his own little coop/run right by theirs but we really want to integrate him. Would it be best to do the night time roosting option? Should we get more hens to add with him? We're at a loss. Thanks
Blake Kirby: You could try the night time thing. If you have room you could introduce some very young hens only for him. Let him be the king of a small flock of girls that haven't "figured it out" yet. … might work :)
Workin On It: New subscriber, good video.I want to introduce a rooster into an existing flock that has a rooster, they are the same breed, there are about 40 hens, do you think this would work? They have an indoor space of about 14'x20' and about the same outdoor space. Thank you for answering if you can.
Blake Kirby: This going to depend on a lot. One rooster can flock up to about 30 hens. 40 hens could use another rooster, but the personality of the roosters will make a big difference. The space available sounds pretty good… more would be better, but it's ok. Introduce the new rooster at night and keep an eye on them the next day. If things are rough maybe you could block half your chickens outdoors and the other half indoors. Divide the flock with the different roos for a day or three. See how that helps.
Workin On It: Thank you for responding.
Yee Vita: omg, that was so funny! and good job! lol!
Blake Kirby: Haha, glad you liked it.
Harbey Santiago: Thanks! These ideas really helped me with trying to get my new chicks into the existing flock – it sounds like slow and easy does it, plus I didn't know to wait until they are around the same size. I think you saved me (and them) a lot of trauma.
Chicken coop plans manual | Related Posts:
Comments are closed here.