redd_angel Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 Hi everyone! I can imagine this has been asked a hundred times before, but could someone please tell me how to best integrate new hens? We already have 4 warrens, now about 18months old and we rescued 2 ex batts last saturday. The ex batts are in a seperate run within the big run. I haven't put them in the same coop at night yet. I am worried they'll get picked on by my rather spoiled lot I am doing it all wrong aren't I? How long does it roughly take to integrate the new ones? How do you do it please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickyhazel Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 I would leave them in sight of each other, but not together (what you've done is fine) for 2 weeks - one so they get to settle in and another to worm them so they don't give your other girls illnesses. Then put them together at night, when they are tired, and monitor them. Expect some pecking, as this is necessary, but be on hand with a water sprayer and spray any chickens who give exceptionally nasty pecks (eg. pull out feathers). If the pecking doesn't stop after a couple of weeks, or is really really nasty, separate them again for a couple of days then try again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 Welcome to the forum . There's a useful guide here on introducing new hens to existing ones. It took me about 7 weeks for complete harmony to reign but some manage it sooner than that . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redd_angel Posted May 27, 2010 Author Share Posted May 27, 2010 Thank you both for your replies! I never thought it would be so stressful introducing new hens. I am going to age 10yrs before they live in harmony. I introduced the 4th hen on her own, as she was due to be culled and the sucker that I am, I took her home. I had no choice but to put her straight in with the other 3. There was some pecking and chasing, but nothing alarming for about 3 weeks. She has been at the bottom of the pecking order ever since i got her and she is the one that seems the most hostile. Should I wait 2 weeks before putting them in the same coop then? they have their own at the moment and seem quite happy. It's so nice to watch them being proper chickens! No doubt, I'll be back with more questions later! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 With them being ex batts they would benefit from some extra time to build up their strength etc before you put them in with your established girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
