Most owners of backyard chickens are familiar with the concept of a 'pecking order' in chicken society. Many people however, do not really understand the effects of adding new chickens to an existing flock, whom have previously determined their position within the chicken coop hierarchy.
It might not be immediately obvious, but each chicken understands who they are allowed to pick on (those lower than them in the hierarchy) and which other chickens they must submit to themselves. Adding new chickens immediately means that the chickens need to establish a new order in the hierarchy. During this phase, fighting may occur between the chickens in order to work out who is submissive and who is dominant, and in the end, who will be the 'top chicken'.
So here are 5 tips to make the transition process as smooth as possible for you, as well as for your older hens and the new younger chickens.
1. Two coops along side each other
A great way to allow the chickens to familarise themselves with their new 'house mates' without any physical contact is to use two chicken coops side by side on a temporary basis. If you happen to have a second coop or are able to borrow a small coop for a week or two, you can put the younger chickens in this second coop, which can then stand right next to your normal chicken coop. This gives both groups of chickens the opportunity to get familiar with each other, without any chance of fighting. After a week or so, you can then add the new chickens into the main coop. While it's likely that there'll be some fighting, it will be less intense due to the first, 'familiarization' stage that you've undertaken.
2. Add the new chickens at dark
You will also find that adding new chickens to a flock at night-time can help to minimise the disruption that occurs. Grab a torch (flash-light) and position the younger birds amongst the older chickens already on the perches. In the evening the chickens are ready for sleep and are less likely to start a fight to establish the pecking order. In the morning, it's been found that the older chickens seem to be less aware of the new additions.
3. Distract the older chickens when adding the new chickens
If the evening isn't a practical time for you to integrate your chickens, you can at least try to distract the older chickens while you add the new birds. Feed the older chickens some fruit or vegetable scraps, fresh weeds or grain to keep them busy and less aware of what is happening.
4. Add chickens that appear similar to the older hens
It's also good to keep in mind that there will be less fighting if you add new chickens that are of a similar age and therefore a similar size to your older hens. If your new chickens are considerably younger and smaller, they will almost certainly be picked on by older chickens as they are less able to defend themselves. The closer the chickens are in size/ age the better.
5. Just one rooster
Remember that one rooster will rule the roost (but of course a top chook will take this place in him absence). If you're thinking of adding a second rooster to your flock, you might like to think again. Roosters get quite possessive of the chickens in their coop and will fight with a new rooster (even to death) to eliminate the threat of this new male in their environment.
Practically it really isn't necessary to have several roosters, as one can adequately 'service' quite a number of chickens for fertilization purposes. I'm sure many owners of backyard chickens would also agree, that one very early morning wake up call is quite adequate - two roosters belting out a tune at 6am would be too much for you and your neighbours to take, no matter how much you love your backyard chickens!
Be sure to look at Royal Rooster's great range of chicken coops that are perfect for any backyard. Royal Rooster also make slim-line drinker and feeder sets that reduce grain wastage and keep water nice and clean.
