Aggressive hen with newly introduced pullets

[Lippertmom]

One of our girls, I think the lowest in the pecking order is just horrible to our new pullets. I am not sure if the breeds make a difference. Our flock is very small. The hens are cuckoo maran,RR, Americana and the mean one is a Red Cross. The littles are two Americanas and two Barnvelders. The pullets are 10 weeks old. I have had them in a sectioned off part of the run during the day for two weeks and bringing them in at night to try to introduce all of the girls. The Red Cross was very aggressive from the start, almost stalking the babies even though she couldn't get to them. When they were out of the run, I watched to make sure things didn't get out of hand and she would chase the babies It seemed that things were getting better and I mixed them yesterday howevr the Red Cross has managed to injure two of the pullets. She is now in isolation. I have never had this problem with introducing new chicks. I know that fighting is normal when establishing a new order, but I am worried one of the pullets is going to be seriously hurt.... HELP... what should I do??

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

Poor little babies. I hate when mine bully the underdog.
I'm no expert but I keep mine in separate areas and only let them intermingle when the young ones are old enough to free range with them so they have plenty of room for escape. I'd keep the younger ones away but with in sight of the old ones until older. 10 weeks is still young to me and chicks don't realize they are not welcome and usually have to learn the hard way like yours apparently did. My old batch and new batch never has really meshed together but they have at least sorted out a pecking order and its been a year together now. When I had a rooster he kept them from bickering allot more but I did not have enough hen/rooster ratio so he had to go.

 

[aart]

I have had them in a sectioned off part of the run during the day for two weeks and bringing them in at night to try to introduce all of the girls.

Best if they live next to each other 24/7 before physical intros.
How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help here.
That red bird may never behave nicely...sometimes one bird just doesn't fit in well.
Might need to get rid of her.

 

[Lippertmom]

Best if they live next to each other 24/7 before physical intros.
How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help here.
That red bird may never behave nicely...sometimes one bird just doesn't fit in well.
Might need to get rid of her.

The pullets had been outside separated by chicken wire in the last section of the run for two weeks with occasional free range time with the hens prior to mixing them together. The Red Cross's aggression had diminished so I felt it had been long enough and it was safe for physical introductions. The RC is currently in isolation and the pullets and hens have had minor issues for the past two days. I am hoping to reintroduce Petunia to the flock tonight when they have settled into the coop and be available early when they come down in the morning to watch for problems. She is definitely the bottom of the order. She was part of a few I introduced last year and has never been overly aggressive.

 

[Lippertmom]

Poor little babies. I hate when mine bully the underdog.
I'm no expert but I keep mine in separate areas and only let them intermingle when the young ones are old enough to free range with them so they have plenty of room for escape. I'd keep the younger ones away but with in sight of the old ones until older. 10 weeks is still young to me and chicks don't realize they are not welcome and usually have to learn the hard way like yours apparently did. My old batch and new batch never has really meshed together but they have at least sorted out a pecking order and its been a year together now. When I had a rooster he kept them from bickering allot more but I did not have enough hen/rooster ratio so he had to go.

The pullets had been outside separated by chicken wire in the last section of the run for two weeks with occasional free range time with the hens prior to mixing them together. The Red Cross's aggression had diminished so I felt it had been long enough and it was safe for physical introductions. The RC is currently in isolation and the pullets and hens have had minor issues for the past two days. I am hoping to reintroduce Petunia to the flock tonight when they have settled into the coop and be available early when they come down in the morning to watch for problems. She is definitely the bottom of the order. She was part of a few I introduced last year and has never been overly aggressive. The littles are definitely old enough and big enough to be outside. Both breeds that I am attempting to introduce are docile. I can't let them out right now because we have at least two juvenile red tailed hawks eyeing up our yard, so unfortunately everyone is cooped up until they move along.

 

[aart]

Looks like tight space for 8 birds, especially during integration.
Can you even get into the run to add hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

The pullets had been outside separated by chicken wire in the last section of the run for two weeks

But you said that was only during the day....that can make a difference.

I have had them in a sectioned off part of the run during the day for two weeks and bringing them in at night

The RC is currently in isolation and the pullets and hens have had minor issues for the past two days. I am hoping to reintroduce Petunia to the flock tonight when they have settled into the coop and be available early when they come down in the morning to watch for problems.

 

[Lippertmom]

Thanks for your input aart.. we have successfully had 8 happy hens in this coop and run. There is ample space.

 

[aart]

Thanks for your input aart.. we have successfully had 8 happy hens in this coop and run. There is ample space.

But have you ever integrated new birds into it?
Integration works best with 'extra' space.

 

[Lippertmom]

But have you ever integrated new birds into it?
Integration works best with 'extra' space.

Sure have..without incident. Thanks again.