Combining two flocks
MelisRunning
Posts: 819 Member
I know you are not supposed to introduce adult hens with other adults hens. But I did it anyway. It has turned out remarkably well!
I had lost two of my six hens over about three months. One was sick and the other one, well we do not know what happened to her, I just had to cull her. It was sad. So, an opportunity came up at the last minute to obtain 5 more hens that were about the same age as mine (1 yr old). I jumped on it!
It was evening when I brought them home and all they wanted was to be inside the tractor where it was safe and to roost. Not knowing what else to do, I let them in.
The next morning there was a little squabbling but nothing major. They have been together now for about a month and all seems to be going terrific! Should I expect WWIII to erupt or is the time for that past?
I am thankful for the new hens and for all the eggs! No complaints!
I had lost two of my six hens over about three months. One was sick and the other one, well we do not know what happened to her, I just had to cull her. It was sad. So, an opportunity came up at the last minute to obtain 5 more hens that were about the same age as mine (1 yr old). I jumped on it!
It was evening when I brought them home and all they wanted was to be inside the tractor where it was safe and to roost. Not knowing what else to do, I let them in.
The next morning there was a little squabbling but nothing major. They have been together now for about a month and all seems to be going terrific! Should I expect WWIII to erupt or is the time for that past?
I am thankful for the new hens and for all the eggs! No complaints!
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Replies
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Hey!
The only reason they don't reccomend bringing birds together is mainly due to desease issues! Birds have a pecking order so chances are introducing new birds can unbalance the flock and cause bullying but its not to say it always happens. I would keep an eye out for vent pecking or feather pulling aggressive behaviour but if you have not seen any worrying signs yet I think the worst is over.
I would put a course of wormer though them though as this is the most likely parasite that would contaminate your flock if you don't do it routinely anyway. 0 -
What do you use to worm your hens? I have been using unfiltered ACV. As far as I know, there is nothing else cleared for laying hens!0
