Complex integration of new pullets

[ByardK]

Hi!

I am new to chickens and have been reading a lot of info regarding introducing new pullets to older ones.
I have two new pullets fenced off in the same run as my older pullet who is now alone after I found out I had 3 cockerels.

At first, I integrated them all together but the lone pullet was really harassing them. This happened the first day. I just got a dog crate and fenced them off.

Yesterday, the lone pullet was interested and looking through the fence. Now, she is basically roosting in the coop or sits at the door. The new pullets were already in the coop on night one with the cockerels and older pullet.

Should I start to let them mingle yet or is the loss of the others causing her aloofness?

Thanks!

 

[rural mouse]

The loss of the others isn't causing the aloofness. It's caused by "I don't know you". There's going to be some physical interactions no matter what you do. They're working out who the queen is. Put in lots of clutter: inverted boxes with doors cut into them, tree stumps, side tables, lawn chairs, boulders a little bigger than the birds....things that will break line of sight, allow birds to get up on/hide under/dodge around. If it's cluttered enough you struggle to move through it, then you have enough. If you can move through the clutter easily, then add more.

How old are they?

 

[ByardK]

The loss of the others isn't causing the aloofness. It's caused by "I don't know you". There's going to be some physical interactions no matter what you do. They're working out who the queen is. Put in lots of clutter: inverted boxes with doors cut into them, tree stumps, side tables, lawn chairs, boulders a little bigger than the birds....things that will break line of sight, allow birds to get up on/hide under/dodge around. If it's cluttered enough you struggle to move through it, then you have enough. If you can move through the clutter easily, then add more.

How old are they?

The original is about 14 or so weeks now, the two younger maybe as old or a week younger.

 

[rural mouse]

The original is about 14 or so weeks now, the two younger maybe as old or a week younger.

Let them together. With escape options, they'll sort themselves out....and the 1st to lay will be queen, even if only temporary. Rank can shift again once all are laying.

 

[ByardK]

I have noticed she isn't eating as much or is as active. She is also sneezing after some DE that was on the run ground got on her beak. Not sure if that would cause any of this either.? I also just bought wood shavings from Tractor Supply that are super fine.

 

[rural mouse]

I have noticed she isn't eating as much or is as active. She is also sneezing after some DE that was on the run ground got on her beak. Not sure if that would cause any of this either.? I also just bought wood shavings from Tractor Supply that are super fine.

DE is fine enough to be a problem if they inhale it.

 

[ByardK]

DE is fine enough to be a problem if they inhale it.

Do I let it just work itself out and monitor?

 

[rural mouse]

Do I let it just work itself out and monitor?

Yep