Attempted to add to flock

[ther00ster'scr0w]

for the past 3 months I've had 3 new pullets that i planned on adding to my flock of 7 hens and 1 roo.

They've already been quarantined for a month and were close enough to see the other flock. At times i would let them free range together, and there would be some squabbles then they would separate. I read online about a way to introduce new chickens to a flock by putting them in the coop at night. I did this last night, woke up early to beat the flock, and I let them out when they woke up.

There's a lot of squabbling going around, but mostly by the roo. Is this normal for the roo to be the most aggressive towards the new pullets? and the new pullets don't wanna come out of the coop, and are in the nest boxes. This will be a problem later in the day when some of the hens want to use them.

Any suggestions or comments?!

 

[cobrien]

sounds normal. can you let them free range today?

 

[CoopCrazy]

Yep sounds normal .. The whole flock will have to reasses its heirarchy.. just keep an eye and make sure no one new chicken is being bullied continuously, and seperate if need be.. I like to toss out treats when I notice fighting during integration. it distratcs them from the fighting and usaully they dont return to it...

 

[KKatknap]

It also helps to put some new stuff out there (if there's room). Some people use leftover kid's toys or furniture, I have a little cat tunnel...something to a) distract the old chickens, and b) give the new chickens somewhere to hide.

I do agree, though, that what you have going on sounds pretty normal.

Good luck!