4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Vanessa]

Well with getting the new run I also gonna get some hens so I have a few questions regards the introduction. I had thought about buying a bigger coop to house up to 6 chickens. I already have 3 and would like to add another 3. So here is my idea (not sure if it would work out)

 

As the coop and run would be new to my existing hens I thought I could just keep them in their old coop+run till I would get the new girls and then put them altogether in at night in the new coop. Would this work out or am I taking a risk of the old hens bullying the new hens?

[tom123]

It should work in theory because the whole house and run is new to all of them but I guess the old three could gang up on the new ones

 

Sorry to be not much help!

Tom

[Vanessa]

Well thats my theory too....

[puffball]

I reckon that might work better cause then there is some new 'territory' up for grabs and the new girls will be able to mix in better if they have some new ground already and arent invading on the hens you already have.

 

Or you could try introducing them through a holey fence (such as chicken wire) and then let them see each other so you know if they will gang up or not.

 

The first meeting they might have a little fight - they have to sort out the pecking order but as long as you stick around for a little while when you first introduce then it should be okay.

[Egluntyne]

Articles about managing intros **here** Vanessa

[eddyb]

yes i would agree with puting them in at night but to be sure i would put the new girls in with the older girls in the day when you have time to be with them and look over them so you could brake up any fights