So, we had a flock of six. All around 6 weeks old. One has shown himself to be a roo so we wanted to replace him, since we live in the city and he'll eventually have to go to the farm. I found a 6 week old plymouth rock and have always wanted one so picked her up on saturday.
I am hoping I havent botched introductions to this point. I put the new chick in with the two silkie chicks in a separate pen. The silkies (one 5 weeks one 7 weeks) seemed to love her and they all snuggled up for a nap. I figured I'd reintegrate them as a trio after a day or so. Yesterday I put the entire batch in the outside run (a new place for all) and gave them treats. All was fine all day. Happy chicks. Then I put them back in the large brooder pen (25 sq ft.) in the garage for the night and watched. New chick gets along with everyone except two. Newbie is chasing and attacking the pair violently (no blood yet) but gets along well with all the others. I feel awful for the sweet two pullets who are ostracized and hiding in the corner.
Am wondering if I should interfere in any way. How long should we expect for things to settle? At this point is it appropriate to cage her separate but visible in the pen or is it too late for all of that? I didn't do enough research pre-purchase
The messages seem mixed on this and topics on introductions seem focused on adults or adding pullets to existing flock. I thought they were still young enough to integrate smoothly-ish. It should be noted that we added a pullet 10 days ago without incident. She is one of the ones being picked on.
I am hoping I havent botched introductions to this point. I put the new chick in with the two silkie chicks in a separate pen. The silkies (one 5 weeks one 7 weeks) seemed to love her and they all snuggled up for a nap. I figured I'd reintegrate them as a trio after a day or so. Yesterday I put the entire batch in the outside run (a new place for all) and gave them treats. All was fine all day. Happy chicks. Then I put them back in the large brooder pen (25 sq ft.) in the garage for the night and watched. New chick gets along with everyone except two. Newbie is chasing and attacking the pair violently (no blood yet) but gets along well with all the others. I feel awful for the sweet two pullets who are ostracized and hiding in the corner.
Am wondering if I should interfere in any way. How long should we expect for things to settle? At this point is it appropriate to cage her separate but visible in the pen or is it too late for all of that? I didn't do enough research pre-purchase
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