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1. #Combining two flocks of chickens how to#
2. #Combining two flocks of chickens trial#
3. #Combining two flocks of chickens free#

There might be a couple really mean birds, if so, lock them up for a day or two in a dog crate then try again. I am assuming that the birds are close to the same size.

#Combining two flocks of chickens free#

You might loose some as they are not experienced with free ranging, and will be easy prey. I would not worry about them returning to the coop, but you might be down there towards dark to make sure they get in. Again some strategic hideouts, set up can really help.

By the third day, I would leave the door open, so that your birds can explore the outdoors on their terms. Near dark, I would let the established flock in, and get down there early in the morning. And I might, tape some cardboard to the ceiling/wall, so that it hangs down and divides the roosts, so that birds on one side can't see birds on the other. Is there a run at all in the new place? If not, I would let the established flock out, and give the coop a good broom-ming out, then lock the new birds in. Mixing strange birds is a stressor that can expose birds from either flock to strange germs. So I am thinking quarantine is already broken. Good luck and remember, for more advice, feel free to call our Hen Helpline.Well, I am betting that you have been out to see these chickens, and probably took care of your own. You can then gradually increase the time they spend together as they get more confident with each other. At that time of day, they will be more focussed on getting to bed than arguing with their new flock mates. The ideal time to allow them to merge is an hour before dusk. When you start to merge chicken flocks fully, begin by letting the birds share the same space for small periods of time over a number of days. Take a look at our dedicated Pecking Order page which lays out a step-by-step guide to managing the ‘bully’ hen. If you find one hen in particular is becoming a bit of a ‘bully’, there are steps you can take to regain the status quo in your flock. It’s worth mentioning here that fighting can occur because merging old hens with new hens is very likely to disrupt the existing pecking order. Of course, never aim the water directly at your hens – this isn’t intended to scare them, only to distract. Then, if the hens start to square up to each other, squirt the ground close to the hens, and again the water will act as a distraction. Use waterĪnother way of distracting your hens is to take up a position close to the coop and have a squeezy water bottle or child’s water pistol to hand. If you have any queries about crop issues, check out our page on health problems. This occurs when your hens will eat the hay and get crop bound.

Your hens will be so busy rooting about in it that they won’t pay much attention to the new hens!Īlways be careful about what straw you put in for your hens, as using things like hay can actually cause issues like impacted crop. These include things like providing a straw bale for your girls, mixed in with some corn or wheat in the coop.

#Combining two flocks of chickens trial#

Through a little trial and error, we’ve found that simple distraction tactics work the best should fighting occur. We would recommend giving strength in numbers to your new hens, so if you already have four, getting another six will give the newbies the upper hand. No need to rush! However, remember never to introduce just one hen to your existing flock, otherwise bullying will be focused on the new hen. By doing this you lengthen the introduction and allow your existing flock to meet the new hens at their own pace, therefore lessening the likelihood of fighting when they move in together. This way your existing flock will have a chance to see the new hens before being able to interact with them. The best way to merge chicken flocks successfully is to give them a visual introduction before a physical one. That way both the existing flock and the new hens will be starting off in a new area, making it a little more equal for both parties. Move your coopįirstly, if possible, before merging begins, move the coop and run to a different part of the land or your garden.

#Combining two flocks of chickens how to#

Here are just a few tips on how to make merging your hens more successful: 1. We have more information about what to do when merging your flock on our Merging your flocks page, so we’d recommend having a read. If you need advice on this please call our friendly Rehoming Team who will be happy to assist. But there are ways to make the process as stress-free for your girls as possible.īefore getting new hens we’d always recommend thinking about your set up, as it’s far easier to merge flocks when you are able to keep them separate from one another for a week or so. Having to merge chicken flocks can be stressful for you, your existing flock and the new hens you’ve just brought home.