New girls on the block

[9pollock]

Hi All I haven't been on for a while but thought I would let you know what has been happening at the steading.
I lost one of my girls due her having a prolapse, she was only over a year old, very upsetting but she had been a brilliant hen and we miss her.
Due to being 1 down (2 left) we made the decision to get a couple more and got them yesterday. They are noisy so and so's but I am sure they will soon get used to there new home.
At the moment I have them in a closed off section of my run and my original girls are walking about the outside of their enclosure.
Now to the question. How long do I need to keep them separated from the original 2 as I got them from the same source? They have been vaccinated and are struggling with the enclosed small area and this is why there is a great deal of noisy cackling.
I know that this is the correct way to mix old with new but how long do I have to wait until I can put the 2 new with the 2 old?
I know that I have to still go through the pecking order part (which will probably be another noisy episode) but how soon until I can let them have a get together?

Sorry for the length of this piece, but I haven't been on for a while.

P.S. the new girls are a Sussex star and a Bluebell. The 2 original gals are a Isa Brown and Speckledy.

Please can I get some advise on what needs to be done next as I have never done the new introduction bit.

[kathyd]

I've usually tried to keep mine separate for a week or so to see how things go, but then I'm lucky and have lots of space for them. Are they young birds, younger than your existing lot? I've found that at some point, the new birds actively try to get in and mix with the others, so they've often made the decision for me. However, I've always made sure they have a 'safe' area to run and hide in if the others start to bully them, and it always has 2 doorways so they can't get trapped. I've usually had to intervene at bedtime too, to make sure the newbies are allowed into the coop. On one occasion I added them to the coop after dark when everyone was nice and dozy, because apparently waking up together in the morning can help things along a bit. Do you have any gentian violet to hand, just in case the hierarchy thing gets out of hand and someone starts to bleed?

[9pollock]

Hi Kathyd

They are about a year younger but are the same size as my originals. I created a separate area in the run which is fenced of with a temporary house for them inside this area. As I have neighbours close by I don't want there racket to cause any hassle. I know it will quieten down but what a racket at the moment!!!
How long do I wait until I can put them in the coop beside the older ones at night? Is it after the 2 weeks settling in period?

[Glutton4...]

Hi! *Waves

I would pop the new pair in the coop with the others, just after they have gone to bed. In the morning, they'll wake up together and sort themselves out. There will be squabbling, but as long as they have room to get out of the way, they'll get over it. You may have to put them in the coop yourself for a couple of nights or more, but they'll get the message.

In general, I find the least human intervention to be the best way - their instincts are strong and they'll be fine.

[Feral007]

I had 5 newbies to introduce. Two young uns, and three older girls. Thought I'd get them all together adn put them in overnight....forgot I had three lots till dark!

Kept the young uns in their boxes. The older girls in the 2nd run. Put the whole lot in after dark. The younguns got the run around for a few days but it was all good.

[kathyd]

There's definitely a theme about 'after dark' going on here isn't there? Give it a go Pollock, and see what happens. Just keep the 'safe space' available, and have something ready to dab any injuries! You may find they get along fine after a few hours, and you'll wonder what you worried about . I assume your newbies aren't showing any signs of illness? Separating them is about quarantining as well as co-habitation. If they seem fine, take a risk!

[9pollock]

Have had the girls mixed for the last few days and seem to be getting on reasonably well. A small amount of bickering but that is expected. Have been laying since I got them and the eggs are brilliant. Thanks to all for the advise it really helped. Sandra