5 of this years hens, 4 established hens, 2 cockerels , 1 new hen house, and a partridge in a pear tree ... . How do I combine them?

[oggsfrog]

Alright, there is no partridge , but I do have;

• 4 long-standing hens and 2 cockerels (one of whom (yet undecided) will soon be out of the equation and on the table), who are in an old house and are totally free ranging

• 5 of this years batch originally thought to be cockerels, but have turned out not to be, who are in a large enclosed pen

• 1 brand spanking new hen house lovingly crafted by dh.

How do I combine the three into one harmonious whole?

My plan was to move the new ones into the new house tonight once they are in bed, then leave them in there all day tomorrow and tomorrow night (with a supply of food and water) and then let them out.
I'm presuming my other lot will come over to have a nosy and over the next few days will move into the new posh pad.

Problem is there is no light in the new hen house so can't really leave them all day tomorrow without light. Can I? Also I'm worried the new lot will come out and then promptly wander off disoriented.

I've had chickens for years and have never had problems before but have never had a new house to throw into the mix, and usually, because I've known which were the hens in a new batch, I've released them at the same time as their mum who has then chaperoned them and shown them what to do.

?

All the hens have eaten each other and it's all your fault!

I've got to integrate three flocks fairly soon. Argh. They will just have to fight until they get used to each other . I have a lovely cockerel but he doesn't discipline the bullies enough.

Will your new house fit inside the enclosed pen, or flush against it? That way new hens can get used to sleeping in new house. Then move the new house away from the pen and after dark, add all your old hens & cockerel to it and let them all out as early as possible next morning. Keep the old house totally shut up with perhaps the new house in front of it so they can find a safe home. And hope that they all go into the new house together when it gets dark.

Failing that, put the new house near the pen, put all the hens in it together one night, let them out the next morning and hope for the best come sundown!

They'll probably share the house but roost at different ends and roam in their old flocks during the day until the cockerel asserts himself! The new hens may run a mile when he introduces himself! My young hens do.