Creating a Flock

[smdcleland]

Hello. I saved/adopted 6 different chickens, 5 of them being bantams. I integrated them to create a flock. They have now been together for a month. They are getting along okay, but they aren't really close to one another. They don't "hang out". I can't explain it... my other flock are RIRs and a Barred Rock, and they all follow each other around and sleep next to one another. The bantams are weary of one another. They don't fight but they also don't get too close to each other or eat together. The also don't sleep together. They are all spread out.

Is this normal? I want them to be happy like my other flock. Will it just take more time? They are all so weary and cautious of each other. Anything I can do to make this easier on them?

I am still working on getting them to like me. I try not to hold them too much because they get so scared, but they love the treats and I talk to them every day.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Chickens who are raised together tend to stick together throughout their lives. Newcomers can sometimes make close friendships with other hens, sometimes not. Do you know if these bantams were raised together, or from separate places?

 

[smdcleland]

They all came from separate flocks.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

They all came from separate flocks.

That would explain it. It's sad they haven't made close friends, but perhaps that will improve with time and patience. Keep doing what you're doing.
@janiedoe posted this in another thread earlier today, to someone who wants to make her chickens friendly:

Welcome to BYC.
When it comes to friendly, I'd put mine up against anyone's. That includes my roosters. But it does take time and effort for some of them. Some are just naturally friendlier, others less so.
Get down on their level. Sit on the ground. Move slowly. Sing or talk quietly. Be patient.
For older chickens, do the above and sprinkle some mealworms around you.
You're going to have some who are fearful, no matter what you do. Just understand that you are gigantic to them and they are easily frightened. Almost all will come around in time.

 

[janiedoe]

I hope with time, your bantams will become a close flock. Take comfort that you are giving them the best life that you can.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The bantams are weary of one another. They don't fight but they also don't get too close to each other or eat together. The also don't sleep together. They are all spread out.

How old are they and what sex? In some ways this sounds like they may still be juveniles at different stages of maturity. That doesn't sound right though because after a month, at least some of them should have formed a bond regardless of sex, not all five keeping away from each other. I'm not sure what is going on.

How much hardship on you is this causing? I'm thinking mainly about them spreading out to sleep and cleaning but maybe feeding and watering. They appear to be doing what they want to do. As long as no one is getting hurt I tend to let them work things out but your comfort and convenience comes into play. Unless it is causing you a hardship I'd just be patient. They should eventually work it out.

 

[smdcleland]

Two are pullets and three are a year or older. One of the pullets seems to have taken a little to one of the D'Uccles. They are all female.

They all seem to sleep fine. Only two roost. The others all sleep in the bedding. No one is fighting but they just don't seem super comfortable with one another yet. I'm really hoping that changes.

I do worry about food and water sometimes because some of them seem a little thin. I think I want to get another feeder and waterer. The Silkie is definitely at the top and gets annoyed when others go near her food. She is pretty bossy and loud!

 

[3KillerBs]

I do worry about food and water sometimes because some of them seem a little thin. I think I want to get another feeder and waterer. The Silkie is definitely at the top and gets annoyed when others go near her food. She is pretty bossy and loud!

It's always good to have more than one feed/water station and really important for integration.

Open bowls will work if you don't specific feeders/waterers.

 

[smdcleland]

I did put a big bowl of food out too.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

2 feed bowls at least, if not 2 water and 2 feed bowls.

Some birds just prefer to not be friends. I have a cranky (but sweet to me) Mille fleur gal and a crankier Japanese gal. They would rather be physically alone but able to bird watch than be in the middle of the flock. The Japanese loves babies and takes any I give her, but once they're grown enough to leave, she goes back to having them all.

As long as no one is picking or squabbling and they're all willing to go to bed together, I think they'll be okay