Can my bully pullet join the adult flock or would it be suicide?
I had a predator take 2 of my 3 chicks (2.5 month old) leaving a remaining cockerel. I bought a cochin pullet who he immediately took to and 2 laced Wyandottes (that I kept separate to quarantine). The dominant Wyandotte plucks the other ones tail feathers. I immediately noticed it on the way home and assumed stress/ lack of space/ boredom. I kept them separate in a 6ft long run and noticed the bully still pecking at the other one and she had dried blood on her tail (not a space issue). I removed the victim her and added to my cochin/roo ( Salmon faverolle) coop and they have had no problems. Now what do I do with my little bully? Would it be unethical to add her to my adult crew of 4 adults and 3 6 month olds w a rooster? They free range supervised (due to predators) or could I put her in time out and try to add her later? The baby flock are in a prefab coop (way too small in my opinion but appropriate for 4 young chickens) and I worry for my sweet little ones will all be bullied. So eventually yes I’ll probably let them free range when they are older and they will all be together. The problem is I have 2 roosters and 10 chickens so will need to get more before I add them all together. In the interm I hate to leave this little one alone. But she will definitely be put in her place with the big girls. Thanks! In the next month I plan to make a juvenile coop that is connected to the main coop to keep them safe until I’m comfortable letting them free range.
