How to Introduce New Chickens to a Flock

Chickens are low-maintenance, hardy birds that are an addiction to own. Once you have enjoyed the amusing antics of a few chickens, you may start thinking about adding new birds to your flock. Chickens are very territorial and will viciously defend their territory, which makes increasing your flock a tricky issue. As stressful as it may be on your chickens to expand your brood, it is not impossible and your chicken coop will eventually return to normal.

Things You'll Need

  • Empty coop
  • Chicken wire
  • Zip ties
  • Feed and water pans
  • Chicken scratch
  • Flash light
  • Leftovers or cracked corn
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose new chickens that are close to your existing flock in age and size. Chickens have a rigid pecking order and smaller, younger birds are often picked on as dominance is established.

    • 2

      Quarantine new chickens for two weeks before integrating them into your existing flock. Keep the chickens in a small enclosure on the opposite side of your property from your existing coop and watch for signs of illness such as nasal discharge, diarrhea or parasites. If any of the new birds appears ill, call your veterinarian immediately.

    • 3

      Divide an empty chicken coop down the center with chicken wire. Unroll the wire down the middle of the coop, securing it to the existing fence with zip ties. Place feed and water pans on both sides of the coop and fill with chicken scratch and clean water. Chickens are very territorial and moving the existing flock to a new coop serves and neutral territory, reducing the likelihood of fighting.

    • 4

      Place your existing flock on one side of the divided coop and wait until dark falls and the chickens roost for the evening. Quietly add the new birds to the opposite side of the coop, using the flash light instead of turning on overhead lights. Chickens are more docile at night and less likely to squabble when introduced through the fence.

    • 5

      Leave the birds in separate pens for a week, or until they stop pecking at each other through the fence. Remove the chicken wire divider and toss the birds a few handfuls of leftover fruits and vegetables or cracked corn. These tasty treats serve as a distraction and allow the birds to feed together without attacking each other.

    • 6

      Observe the birds closely, watching for injured birds or excessive attacks. Isolate injured birds until they heal, keeping them in a small cage near the flock so they are not ambushed when re-introduced to the flock.