Mooch. 177 Posted April 12, 2011 Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 What's the best way to introduce new birds to an existing flock? Do you keep them separated behind wire until they are used to each other or just chuck the new ones in and let them sort themselves out? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foxdigger13 114 Posted April 12, 2011 Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 imo it depends on what cocks and hens youve already got in your flock and how many more hens and/or cocks your introducing, atb fd Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mooch. 177 Posted April 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 Well, I say "flock", I have 3 hybrid hens and want to get 3 more. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foxdigger13 114 Posted April 12, 2011 Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 well if youve got 3 and your looking to get another 3 id just put them all together, atb fd Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bootsha 1,306 Posted April 12, 2011 Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 If you've got the room fella, keep them apart for a week to ten days, able to see themselves through the wire but not get at each other, there'll be a lot of "come on 'en" and posturing at the wire for a few days, but once they have got used to the sight of each other, just let the gate between them open one day and they will naturally mix in together, theres bound to be the odd scurmish, but I have found if you do a bit of prep worl it goes much smoother. Oh, when you open the gate, dont shoo them all together for F@cks sake, open gate and f@ck off somewhere, let them blend in at their own pace. Hope this helps you out mate, it always worked for me in the past, fact not fiction. ATB B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
spanj 11 Posted April 12, 2011 Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 What's the best way to introduce new birds to an existing flock? Do you keep them separated behind wire until they are used to each other or just chuck the new ones in and let them sort themselves out? You'll never do it without SOME hassle (the phrase pecking order comes to mind) but the one that works for us is as follows Put some vinegar in water (1:10 should do) and apply to the backs of ALL birds Introduce new birds straight into the coop when dark This should minimise problems Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mooch. 177 Posted April 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 I love THL, no one ever agrees!! What's the vinegar do Spanj? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foxdigger13 114 Posted April 12, 2011 Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 I love THL, no one ever agrees!! What's the vinegar do Spanj? well ive done what bootshas saying when im introducing a pair of hens into a bigger flock, but if i only had the 3 hens and was only introducing another 3 hens id just put them all in together, but id expect a few little scuffles, atb fd Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lost scouse 46 Posted April 12, 2011 Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 like has been said introduce last thing when there in coop and let them find the pecking order Degsy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
spanj 11 Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I love THL, no one ever agrees!! What's the vinegar do Spanj? It masks the new birds individual smells......... lol. Just discourages pecking TBH Quote Link to post Share on other sites
darbo 4,776 Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 if anyone has problems with feather pecking try ukadex spray there is a alternative called scarper. wear gloves the smell is terrible but it really does work. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lyndon.n 0 Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 i put mine in last thing at nite Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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