- Sep 13, 2012
- 11
- 0
- 22
We have three hens that are about a year old, and we got two new chicks this spring to replace two that ended up being roosters from our first group. They are about 11 weeks old, and they have been living in a "mini" coop and run we set up right next to the coop for about 4 weeks.
We've recently tried to integrate them, and the one boss lady pecks at them often if they attempt to move around the run. If they are cowering in the corner, she leaves them alone... The first day together, I put cabbage in the run, and they seemed to be distracted enough to get along so the smaller girls could eat and drink comfortably with minimal pecking. They spent the night together and in the morning, most of the focus was on the new chickens. I was watching from afar and it seemed that they were pecking a little too much, so I went back out to put them in a dog crate with food and water for a break. One had been pecked on her comb area and was slightly bleeding. I cleaned her off and they seemed ok once alone.
What's the best idea from here to have them accepted? I was thinking maybe they are still too small to really defend themselves, and I could separate them during the day and move them into the coop to sleep at night until they are older? Any suggestions appreciated!
Thanks!
We've recently tried to integrate them, and the one boss lady pecks at them often if they attempt to move around the run. If they are cowering in the corner, she leaves them alone... The first day together, I put cabbage in the run, and they seemed to be distracted enough to get along so the smaller girls could eat and drink comfortably with minimal pecking. They spent the night together and in the morning, most of the focus was on the new chickens. I was watching from afar and it seemed that they were pecking a little too much, so I went back out to put them in a dog crate with food and water for a break. One had been pecked on her comb area and was slightly bleeding. I cleaned her off and they seemed ok once alone.
What's the best idea from here to have them accepted? I was thinking maybe they are still too small to really defend themselves, and I could separate them during the day and move them into the coop to sleep at night until they are older? Any suggestions appreciated!
Thanks!