Bully

[Irishjustin]

Hi all, introduced 2 new hens to my one remaining hen. As they are new new ones are kept in coop until they get used to it. Old hen is free ranging as usual from morning to evening. Problem starts when I let her into coop in evening. She starts to peck and claw new young hens. They are terrified and put their heads down to protect themselves. Also she seems to be picking more so on one of my new girls. Any suggestions please. Thanks

 

[Auntiejessi3]

How old are the new additions? Did you do any kind of look but no touch so they could get used to each other?

 

[Irishjustin]

They are point of lay, a book I read said to feed them separately but that they could see each other. Also was told roosting together should form a bond. But I'm open to suggestions.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

They are point of lay, a book I read said to feed them separately but that they could see each other. Also was told roosting together should form a bond. But I'm open to suggestions.

How long have they been in together? Is the old hen drawing blood, or just pecking to establish her space?

 

[Irishjustin]

Been together 4 days, no blood yet but it looks vicious. Seems to be mainly directed at back of head on neck. Sometimes she will pull out feathers

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Been together 4 days, no blood yet but it looks vicious. Seems to be mainly directed at back of head on neck. Sometimes she will pull out feathers

I have never integrated older birds...hmmm
@Ridgerunner @aart maybe they can help, I don't want to steer you in the wrong dirction

 

[Irishjustin]

Thanks

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Thanks

You're very welcome!

 

[aart]

Sounds normal, for putting birds together without a 'see no touch' period before allowing physical contact.

Here's some tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Irishjustin]

Many thanks, are they ok to roost together at night in same coop?