Chickens getting along

[Emilyhc]

We have (had) 4 EE chicks that are now 5 weeks old. This past weekend we had them in the back yard, and a hawk got one of them. The next day a got two 6 week old speckled suxxex pullets. My question is...how long until they get along? One of the suxxex chicks is very bossy, and the 3 EE's seems very afraid of her. Does anyone have any suggestions on how they can be more at ease with each other? This is my first go round with chickens, so I'm still learning.

 

[gritsar]

That close in age, I'd say to supervise them for awhile, but they should be able to make friends fairly easy. One chick is always going to be the bossy one. As long as no one is drawing blood, let em sort it out.

 

[Emilyhc]

Ok, thanks for the advice.

 

[Judy]

Evidently you didn't quarantine. I hope that does not turn out badly for you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-adding-to-your-flock

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Oh you are so right Dawn! I didn't even think about quarantine. Glad you thought to mention it, for future reference.

 

[Emilyhc]

I didn't quarantine b/c I didn't feel it was necessary due to the fact that they are very close in size and still very young. When we introduced them we watched very carefully, and although there was some upset there was nothing too aggressive happening. I know they need to re-work the pecking order no matter what I do. They've been together since Saturday, and there even sleeping all together in one nesting box. That's a good sign right?

 

[Emilyhc]

Ok, I just read the link. I didnt realize that it's about health reasons. Well, what's done is done at this point. I'll just have to watch and hope that they'll all be fine.

 

[7L Farm]

I introduced a single rescued dominique pullet to 10 RIR pullets & one RIR cockerel. Wow!! It was crazy I'll never do that again. It wouldn't of worked if my cock hadn't of taken care of her. He still to this day watches out for her. The dominique is on the bottom of the pecking order but they all seem fine together but it took months to get them together. There's still some girls that chase her but they don't hurt her because her boyfriend won't let them. He will step in front of her & protect her. The biggest problem was her color. 11 red chickens & one dominique is not good but one thing I've learned is that it can be done but I don't recommend it.