Chicken gang… bullies and the feeder

[motherscluckers12]

Hi all!!
I have an existing flock of 11. I have just introduced 4 new girls who came together from their previous farm. They are slightly younger than my girls by about 2 weeks. Mine are about 10 weeks old. My girls have been nothing but sweet to the new girls. But the new girls are like a gang of 4!! They won’t let the others eat or drink. They are always guarding the grub! They stay to themselves and never mingle. My old girls are always trying to sneak a bite to eat when their back is turned but the new girls (mainly one, but I see two others doing it a Little bit, not nearly as bad) will chase them away. Any ideas? I put the main meanie in the henitentiary for a few days but maybe she needs more? Help!! I just want peace restored to the run! Haha

Pic #1 - old girls hiding out on top of henitentiary bc the gang of 4 chased them away from the feeder.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

I'd just get multiple feeders spaced apart. They are young still and will fight the pecking order out.

 

[aldarita]

Agree with Barred Rock Mama, you need to place more feed stations as well as waterers

 

[3KillerBs]

Yes, multiple feed stations set well apart and out of sight from each other.

 

[motherscluckers12]

Thank you all!! I now have two feed and water stations out of sight from each other. Will see how that goes!!

 

[AGeese]

Thank you all!! I now have two feed and water stations out of sight from each other. Will see how that goes!!

That's good, I think space is more important than being totally out of sight. You want them to also get accustom to seeing each other.

 

[3KillerBs]

That's good, I think space is more important than being totally out of sight. You want them to also get accustom to seeing each other.

Good point.

When I'm integrating I make a point of feeding treats along the boundary lines during the see-don't touch period.

 

[Mrs. K]

I set up feed bowls, 1 for about every 3-4 birds, set up so that a bird eating at one, cannot see a bird eating at the other two. Works well.