introducing chickens

[gracey]

I have a 5 month hen and a 5 month rooster I am trying to put in my coop with my 3 8 month hens. but the 8 month hens keep on terrorizing the 5 month old ones. what should I do!?!?

 

[bobbi-j]

Unless there is threat of serious injury, leave them be and let them work it out. It's called the pecking order, and they will eventually sort it out.

 

[gracey]

thanks. we are trying our rooster with only one of the 8 month old. the other 2 are in the coop.

 

[gracey]

we have our rooster in the coop and he keeps on flying into our 3/4 inch wire and he has chipped his beak and he has a little bleeding in the comb. these are our first chickens and we are trying to learn how to do this. thanks for the reply.

 

[gracey]

I am also having a problem with my 8 month old ones not laying any eggs. what is happening???

 

[happyhens1972]

stress will stop them laying so it's not surprising if you are trying to intoduce other birds. Give it time and it'll settle down. Once everybody has established their new rank and order, they'll get back to laying your breakfast

 

[gracey]

thanks a lot!!

 

[gracey]

i also have 2 4week old chicks. they look all splotchy. is that normal?

 

[happyhens1972]

depends on the breed...what are they?

 

[gracey]

they are buff ophingtons.