When you either raise chicks purchased from your local farm and home store or you acquired a few from a friend, there are ways to introduce chickens to an existing flock.
Chickens can be mean to each other. Hard to believe, I know! :( You can help them to "forget" they have NEW additions, in a few simple steps.
After they are big enough to be introduced, which is when you think they are big enough to defend themselves. Typically, at least 8 weeks old.
Then, when you bring them to the coop, leave them in cages with food and water until the evening, but put them in a spot where other chickens can smell and get to know them in a safe way.
Lastly, that evening, put them in the coop when the existing flock has roosted. When they wake up, the existing flock doesn't realized they are new and accepts them. There will always be a "pecking" order but you should not have many chickens attacking the new additions.
Do you have any other ideas for introducing a new flock to an existing flock?
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