Added a single bird to current flock

shaunmac

In the Brooder
5 Years
Apr 7, 2014
17
0
24
Basically I've got 1 buff Orpington, 2 black rocks, and a Warren, (all roughly under a year old) I had 2 warrens and one never laid, so I got rid Saturday. The same day I went and got a POL columbine from a local breeder. Put it in a dog cage with its own food and water for the day until the others went to bed. (The cage was inside the run)
Then went in and put her on a roost bar with the rest of them, no drama, the rest weren't interested.
Then I've been keeping an eye on her during my time at home and she is hiding behind the coop basically all day, the only time she can get food or water is when I pick her up and take her to it and shield her.
If I leave her too long she gets attack by all of them, literally all of them on her. She's a bit smaller than my current birds, not massively though (except for the Orpington, proper fat mistress she is)

How long do I let it go on for?


Thanks
Shaun
 
400


I've made her as shown above, an area on top of the coop where she can go feed and drink by herself.
I'm making sure to pay attention to the old bunch first by bringing them treats, before paying her attention
 
In my experience, I've found that it can take as long as a week, or even longer, before chickens work out the pecking order completely. The new bird will get picked on, but if there's enough room, she should be fine. If possible, have several places for her to get feed. Even just putting a pile of feed up on a ledge/shelf, or leaving a cup full of water in a different area can help.

If they really begin to hurt her, think about isolating her and trying again. But as long as its just pecking and there isn't any/very little blood drawn, leave them together. As long as she can eat and drink, she should be fine.

EDIT: I've just noticed that you've posted that you've given her another place to eat and drink. This should help.
 
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They do better, I have read, if you house them side by side for at least a couple of weeks before letting them into the same space. Are they drawng blood when they attack?

People have many different experieces with this, though and no matter what you do, there will be a period of adjustment, and the "low man" will not be comfortable. Here is a link to a thread about itegration, with lots of different experiences and approaches. I hope something will help you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/803815/integrating-two-groups/0_20
 
I agree. It would be best to give her more time in her separate enclosure and make sure you have more than one feed and water station. Eventually they will work things out. After a little more time try the night time approach again. I've had a lot of luck with that, though I've never added just one hen. The smallest number I've added is two. (it puts my mind more at ease thinking they'll have at least one buddy for a while)
 
Thanks for the advice. I've not noticed any blood, just pull out the odd feather.
I went to check them once they went away tonight and they all have gone away together, new girl is in the nest box and the rest are on the perches, but it looks like steady progress to me
 
Thanks for the advice. I've not noticed any blood, just pull out the odd feather.
I went to check them once they went away tonight and they all have gone away together, new girl is in the nest box and the rest are on the perches, but it looks like steady progress to me
Went 'away'? Must be 'slang' not local to the US?

Hopefully she will perch with the others soon, cause the 'sleep in the nest habit' is not one you want going on for long....makes for poopy eggs, or a lot more cleaning IME.

What is a 'Warren'?
 
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Yer I'm from the UK.
Only really letting her in the nest box because she's out the way until she settles in. Took months to get mine out of the nest box habit.
Warren is your standard laying hen, what are used for battery hens generally
 

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