Bullies!!

[Amsav44]

I never knew how mean chickens could be! Our older girls(11wks) got into the younger girls'(8wks) pen this morning and proceeded to chase them down and peck mercilessly at the poor things!! I've since doubled the fence separating them and staked it to the ground, but now wonder if we'll ever be able to put them together.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi, I see that you have posted on this forum before, but welcome, once again chicken society may appear brutal but it works for them. When you do wish to let them mingle, check out these links

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

Each week, various topics are discussed, which can also be a great resource - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive

Good luck

 

[Amsav44]

Hi, I see that you have posted on this forum before, but welcome, once again chicken society may appear brutal but it works for them. When you do wish to let them mingle, check out these links

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

Each week, various topics are discussed, which can also be a great resource - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive

Good luck

Oops!

 

[Pork Pie]

Oops!

Don't worry - it's hardly a crime

Your thread has been moved to the most appropriate forum. This link may be useful in the future - https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/albums/introduction-to-byc-at-a-glance.7427838/

 

[Birdsong 82]

I have 2 separate my older and younger ones also. They will draw blood. I make sure than can see each other so they can get used to one another. I saw where some one had made a separated areas but put small openings at the bottom that the young ones could explore but run to safety if needed because the openings were not bid enough for the older ones to fit. Seemed like a good idea

 

[Amsav44]

I have 2 separate my older and younger ones also. They will draw blood. I make sure than can see each other so they can get used to one another. I saw where some one had made a separated areas but put small openings at the bottom that the young ones could explore but run to safety if needed because the openings were not bid enough for the older ones to fit. Seemed like a good idea

I have them separated now with double layer chicken wire so they can safely get to know each other.

 

[Amsav44]

Hi, I see that you have posted on this forum before, but welcome, once again chicken society may appear brutal but it works for them. When you do wish to let them mingle, check out these links

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

Each week, various topics are discussed, which can also be a great resource - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive

Good luck

Very helpful! I'm glad to know I'm doing it right so far.. I started with one coop and a huge run for the older 5, so just added another coop and split the run for the younger 5. Now they can all be out together, but safely, with no touching.. As far as introducing specific breeds to each other: 2Rhode Islands and 3Plymouths are 11 wks, 3Jersey Giants and 2Wyandottes are 8 wks. Should I worry about the Jerseys being larger and possibility over bearing?

 

[Pork Pie]

Very helpful! I'm glad to know I'm doing it right so far.. I started with one coop and a huge run for the older 5, so just added another coop and split the run for the younger 5. Now they can all be out together, but safely, with no touching.. As far as introducing specific breeds to each other: 2Rhode Islands and 3Plymouths are 11 wks, 3Jersey Giants and 2Wyandottes are 8 wks. Should I worry about the Jerseys being larger and possibility over bearing?

You certainly have done well so far. They could well be a bit harsh - creating safe havens that only the smaller breeds can access, and having objects in the run that will provide stimulus, thus avoiding negative behaviour (tree stumps or anything that blocks the line of sight) and multiple feeding stations all help to ameliorate bullying.

 

[Pork Pie]

I'm going to tag two members that have a lot more knowledge and experience than me to see if they have additional suggestions. In the meantime, this link is also very useful - http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

@aart @azygous

 

[Amsav44]

I'm going to tag two members that have a lot more knowledge and experience than me to see if they have additional suggestions. In the meantime, this link is also very useful - http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

@aart @azygous

Thanks!