12 week old hen has become the outcast

[MLG1900]

Hello all,


I have a concern. My first time with a broody hen was this summer. She successfully hatched a few eggs but only one chick survived. She is the only black bird in the flock and is now 12 weeks old. It seems like mom and the adoptive mother are finished with her and I notice that ALL of the chickens are now chasing her away from the food and just chasing her in general. Even when food is not in the picture. I am concerned because prior to this they allowed her to eat with them and be around them. I feel really bad for her. I have a separate dog kennel with 3 black chicks that are 10 weeks old. I think 1 roo and 2 hens and 1 RIR that I have been nursing through crop impaction and a foot infection. (the old flock seems to hate her now, too) I am wondering if I should try and move the single outcast to the other pen? Any ideas or thoughts?

 

[Ducksandchickens]

I would try moving it to the other pen

Hello all,


I have a concern. My first time with a broody hen was this summer. She successfully hatched a few eggs but only one chick survived. She is the only black bird in the flock and is now 12 weeks old. It seems like mom and the adoptive mother are finished with her and I notice that ALL of the chickens are now chasing her away from the food and just chasing her in general. Even when food is not in the picture. I am concerned because prior to this they allowed her to eat with them and be around them. I feel really bad for her. I have a separate dog kennel with 3 black chicks that are 10 weeks old. I think 1 roo and 2 hens and 1 RIR that I have been nursing through crop impaction and a foot infection. (the old flock seems to hate her now, too) I am wondering if I should try and move the single outcast to the other pen? Any ideas or thoughts?

 

[aart]

You could try putting her in with the 10 week olds....but might have the same problems.
How many birds in how much space in the main flock?
How do you plan to integrate the chicks, and that sick bird, back into the main flock?

Here's some tips that might help about...
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[chickens really]

Do what you think is best..

 

[MLG1900]

You could try putting her in with the 10 week olds....but might have the same problems.
How many birds in how much space in the main flock?
How do you plan to integrate the chicks, and that sick bird, back into the main flock?

Here's some tips that might help about...
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

There are 10 hens including her and 1 Roo. My chicken coop is very large 8 by 8 foot shed and the run is 8 foot by 20 foot. But they are mostly let out of the run to forage all day. I have a couple feeders and waters and also throw food on the ground in several spots. The group could be all eating from one area and the chick will go to a different area to eat and they will still run over and chase her off. It would be nice if when grown all the chickens could stay in one area but I since there is another rooster I am thinking they might have to remain separated.