Added 2 New hens to flock of 4 4 weeks still lots of aggression. HELP!!

[flocking-crazy]

Hi I added 2 younger hens (14-18 weeks) to the happy family of 4 older hens (9 months old) and i understand they will sort out their pecking order but its been 4 weeks and they still bully manly Betty but both of them... poor betty look shocking no bald spots but no show bird either. just little under feathers showing. They are ok when free ranged the 2 stay away but around food the 4 get aggressive, they have access to food all day from 2 different feeders that are separated. What should i do?

 

[N F C]

Hi,

When adding new birds to an existing flock there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of bullying the new birds will get. Basically, you first want to quarantine the new chickens by themselves to be sure you aren't introducing illness or parasites to your existing flock. Once you are sure the new birds are healthy, try the "look but don't touch" method so everyone can get used to each other.

Here's a link to a Learning Center article that spells out the process:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

Hope that helps. Even following the integration process, there will be some pecking while a new order is established but as long as there aren't injuries/blood, it's ok.

Good luck to you!

 

[flocking-crazy]

I did quarantine the girls for 2 weeks in addition the meeting the old flock after the all clear they had free range with the old girls but roosted in different coops. A further week they stayed in the main coop. Betty don't think Betty is in pain and definitely no blood. Should I seperate again? If I throw scratch down they will all eat happily until they eat it all then have a go at the new. Is that just how the pecking order goes? Just the killing of feathers isn't nice