Birds of a feather truly do stick together, so introducing new birds to the flock can be a bit tricky. Existing hens love their territory, and they often pick on new arrivals. Do you want to seamlessly integrate new birds into your coop? You just need a little patience and some sneaky ninja moves.

Introducing New Birds to the Flock:

Prepare Your Coop and Run

Before you merge your chickens, you need to set your space up for success.

• Check your space: Make sure your coop is large enough. Every adult bird needs three to four square feet of room.
• Quarantine first: Always keep outside birds completely separated for at least 30 days to ensure they are healthy.
• Check the chicks: If you are adding young chicks, wait until they are fully feathered and used to the outdoor temperature.

The Gradual Introduction Phase

You must introduce your birds gradually. Let them see each other without the chance to peck or fight. Place your new birds inside the run using a wire dog crate. You can also use chicken wire to split the run into two separate spaces. Leave them like this for at least two weeks so everyone gets acquainted. Do not rush this step!

Time for Ninja Moves

Now comes the fun part. Wait until night falls and all your birds are sleeping heavily. Move quickly and quietly. Pick up your new birds from their temporary space and place them directly on the roosts next to your older sleeping hens.

When the sun comes up, the birds wake up next to familiar faces. This neat trick often fools them into thinking they have always lived together. Carefully monitor the flock for the next week as they sort out their new pecking order!