GingerAle87
Songster
I have had 4 layers for a little over a year and added 3 pullets 2-ish weeks ago. Pretty minor introductions. The bottom of the original 4 (Mary Todd) has had the hardest time, I think she's determined to not stay the bottom but also stuck between the 2 groups.
They will be out in the run (10x30) with minor chasing. The new girls tend to stick to themselves, though one is braver than the others. I feel like with a little more time they will figure it out, so far no bleeding or injuries... just some loose feathers.
My problem stems from the coop. It's a smaller coop, almost 4x8. We have plans to build a bigger one next spring but this smaller one has worked well with the Alaskan winters, smaller space for them to heat. The new girls will roost on the fence or log in the run and will not go into the coop at night with the older hens. I put them in at night and Mary Todd has to figure out her place on the higher perch and after about 15min everyone settles in. No problems in the morning when I let them out.
How do I get the new girls to go in the coop at night? When I got the older ladies, I closed them in for a day and they took to it immediately. I have the option of closing the new ones in for a few days since I open my greenhouse to everyone through the winter. So the older girls will have shelter if needed for those few days. Would this be the best option or would I run into the same problems when they are added back together? I also plan to add another roost this weekend.
Any help would be appreciated. Sorry for the book!
They will be out in the run (10x30) with minor chasing. The new girls tend to stick to themselves, though one is braver than the others. I feel like with a little more time they will figure it out, so far no bleeding or injuries... just some loose feathers.
My problem stems from the coop. It's a smaller coop, almost 4x8. We have plans to build a bigger one next spring but this smaller one has worked well with the Alaskan winters, smaller space for them to heat. The new girls will roost on the fence or log in the run and will not go into the coop at night with the older hens. I put them in at night and Mary Todd has to figure out her place on the higher perch and after about 15min everyone settles in. No problems in the morning when I let them out.
How do I get the new girls to go in the coop at night? When I got the older ladies, I closed them in for a day and they took to it immediately. I have the option of closing the new ones in for a few days since I open my greenhouse to everyone through the winter. So the older girls will have shelter if needed for those few days. Would this be the best option or would I run into the same problems when they are added back together? I also plan to add another roost this weekend.
Any help would be appreciated. Sorry for the book!
