Combining Flocks!
How to introduce
new
chickens
safely
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This past week turned into an interesting one. By some crazy turn of events, we ended up with ten new full-grown chickens! One of hubby’s co-workers needed to rehome the chickens and he thought taking them on would save me the trouble of spending weeks caring for brand-new chicks. Very thoughtful!
We have had chickens for many years now. I was a little nervous back in the day to get any. Mostly because I remember a mean old rooster that used to torment me on my grandparent’s farm when I was little. It turns out though, that I love chickens (who knew). They can be sweet and have fun personalities and they play a few very important roles here in our little family. If you are just starting out with chickens I recommend you begin here.
Most years we add to our flock by either hatching chicks (naturally or by incubator) or getting day-old chicks from someone else. Introducing babies to an existing flock is pretty easy and natural. They have little need to be quarantined as they have already been exposed to the same environment as the adult birds and after a few small pecks, usually, they find their place in the flock pecking order pretty quickly.
But how on earth do you combine two already-established flocks of adult birds? This is a common question among chicken owners and it can be a daunting task. But don't worry, there are some simple steps that can be taken to ensure a smooth transition.
The first step in combining two flocks is to separate them. This should be done before any introduction is made. Place the new birds in their own coop and run for at least a few days while they become accustomed to their new surroundings and adjust to the new environment. If possible, allow them access to outdoor space as well so they can get used to the smells and sounds of their new home.
Once the birds have had time to settle in, it’s time for introductions. The best method for introducing the two flocks is slowly and gradually over several days. Start by allowing limited contact between the two groups, such as supervised visits with each other outdoors or keeping them separated but allowing them to see each other from different sides of a fence. This will help minimize aggression between the birds as they get used to one another and establish a pecking order between them.
If possible, introduce only one or two birds from each group at first, this way there won't be too much disruption. Once one group has been introduced successfully, introduce another group of birds from the same group until all of them have met and accepted each other without incident. Make sure that you monitor all interactions closely during this process so that you can intervene if necessary.
Combining two chicken flocks can seem like an intimidating task but it doesn't have to be! With patience, an understanding of flock dynamics, and careful introductions, your chickens will adjust quickly and soon become one big happy family! With these tips in mind, you'll be able to make this transition go smoothly with little difficulty or stress on either side of your chicken coop!
Good luck!
Do you have tips or tricks that worked for you when you combined adult birds? Or maybe some “definitely don’ts”? Share them in the comments below.
