Chicken problems

[Rocky200]

This is a complex one, I ended up adding 2 new hens to my flock. Introduced gradually but after a few days of all being together in the coop I noticed my black hen “Chevy” being attacked by the two new hens plus sometimes others joined in. I expected some fighting but they are being bullies and pecking her head. She is afraid to be in the pen, stays on the roost or in the nesting box. She also keeps escaping when I open the coop. I also noticed a wet nesting box, I think it’s from her but not totally sure. Looks like yolk in the box all over the place. I’ve had eggs from her recently because she lays a different color and size egg than the others. No noticeable shell issue like soft shell. Not sure how to help her or what i can do to stop the fighting. I believe my coop isn’t currently overcrowded. I’ve been letting her be outside the pen but it won’t work long term

 

[aart]

When did you add the 2 new birds?
Info on your flock size(numbers, ages, genders),
and your coop(size in feet by feet with pics).

 

[Rocky200]

New birds added about 3 weeks ago. I have 2 original adult hens (no idea on age) and 2 new hens. in a pen that is next to theirs but not attached there are nine 7 week mixed gender chickens, they will eventually be added but just the pullets. I’ll have to get some pics later when I feed this evening and measure the pen.

 

[Rocky200]

i also let the big chickens out during the day so they have a few acres to themselves

 

[aart]

How did you introduce the new hens?

 

[Rocky200]

I just put them into a wire cage and set it inside the chicken pen for couple days. Didn’t have any issues at the time so I just let them out one day

 

[Rocky200]

Coop is 8 x 9 and the pen is 20 x 30 ft

 

[Rocky200]

I forgot pics of the outdoor pen lol but I think it’s 20x30ish

 

[aart]

I just put them into a wire cage and set it inside the chicken pen for couple days.

A couple days often isn't enough time for the see not touch portion of integration.

Here's some tips and links that might help 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.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[Rocky200]

Oh ok Thankyou for the info. Should have waited longer I suppose. I may try to re separate them then, and re integrate more slowly. I have been making sure she’s getting to the food and water.