Death today

[Jaguar6]

Hello,

I came home from school today (back to school mom) and found one of the newly introduced chicks dead in the run. I thought that the introduction went well but I guess I was mistaken. My son was very sad because it was his chick. I have been having issues recently with another hen that has been attacked 4 times already and every attempt to reintroducing her fails. I must constantly confine her. But she is a weird one, she always keeps her head down and does not do much. I am at a loss of what to do and do not want to loose anymore hens. I have no clue who is causing the damage. I have 8 hens for sure and 1 that I am usure if it is a hen or a roo. Please help.

Thanks

 

[kathleengp]

I'm so sorry. No words of advice but I am especially sorry for your little guy who lost his favorite today :-(

 

[missrose]

I would see if she can be rehomed. It might be a little difficult, but easyier hen than roo. try searching on google "disiplining hens" and that might give you something.
sorry for your loss

and I hope you can resolve this question.

 

[rufus]

I understand the problem. I have a hen that has been in administrative segregation for almost a year now. She used to be number two hen, but she got bumblefoot and sank to the bottom of the pecking order.

Every attempt to reintroduce her has been a failure.

Why do chickens have to be such a pain?

Rufus

 

[lurky]

I wonder if the 'chicks' are too young to be put into the flock? How old are they?

 

[honeydoll]

I was told to not introduce chickens with older ones until they are sexually mature. I knowthis isn't always practical but I bet this is why.

 

[CMV]

I also had a hen (Princess) that was separated from the flock because she was wounded. She survived her injury, but the flock would not accept her back. I tried separating out the worst bullies, but as soon as a bully was taken out a new bully stepped in to take her place. It went on until the hens re-injured Princess and I conceded defeat. She was rehomed and has done very well in her new home.

I am sorry for your loss. It's a good idea to integrate new chickens when they are the same size to prevent serious injuries/death to the new little guys.