Hi everyone! Im a backyard chicken keeper with a small flock, and Im planning to add a few more hens soon some from friends and maybe a couple from different sources. The new hens will be different ages, and I want to make sure the introductions go smoothly and everyone stays happy and healthy.
Whats the best way to integrate mixed-age chickens without causing too much stress or fighting? Should I quarantine the new birds first? How do I handle feeding when they might have different dietary needs?
Id love any advice or tips you have on keeping the peace and managing a mixed-age flock thanks in advance!
How Do I Manage a Mixed-Age Flock Without Issues?
-
HenriettaHatch - Eggling
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
-
PoultryPassion - Hatchling
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Sun Jan 19, 2025 5:13 am
Re: How Do I Manage a Mixed-Age Flock Without Issues?
Different ages often mean different diets , an all-flock feed with calcium on the side works well for mixed flocks.
Eggs-pert Enthusiast | Building Backyard Bliss One Hen at a Time 
-
DustBathQueen - Hatchling
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:29 pm
- Location: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Re: How Do I Manage a Mixed-Age Flock Without Issues?
Supervise initial introductions , watching their behavior helps you intervene if pecking gets too aggressive.