Existing chickens are mean to new ones

[4chicksmom]

Help, my existing 3 hens that are just about 1 year old are being super mean to 2 new pullets I got last week. The pullets were ar point of lay and started laying within 3 days that I brought them home. I just let them out in the yard to free range as soon as I brought them home. Ever since then, my 3 hens are monsters. They are super mean, even my very docile EE is being mean. She was the bottom of the pecking order before, but she's acting all kinds of mean now. My head hen, is a BCM and was mean to the EE before and mounting my other hen, now she's diverted all that attention to the 2 new Isa Browns I got. They even try to chase the new hens from the nesting boxes. I feel like a referee. It's been over a week, they sleep in the same coop, I did make it bigger to accommodate 2 roosting bars.
I assumed that after a week, they would work it out, especially since the 2 new ones started laying, which would put them at the same level. They are much smaller than my existing 3 and different color. They free range and still end up chasing and feather picking. How do I get them to co exist?

 

[AinaWGSD]

Introducing new chickens is always tricky, the resident chickens are going to view any newcomers as competition for resources. Most people strongly recommend keeping the new chickens physically separated from but within sight of the resident chickens for a few weeks.

You can encourage safe interactions by feeding near the barrier separating the two groups, that way they get used to being in close proximity around valued resources (food or treats).

After a few weeks you can try to introduce them into the same area. Make sure there are plenty of obstacles in the run to break up the line of sight. Make sure the new chickens have "hiding" places that also have a back door, so the resident hens can't trap them in a corner and beat them up. Also make sure you have 2 or more food and water stations that are not next to each other. If you have 3 food stations in opposite parts of the run it becomes impossible for a bully to resource guard all of them and keep the newcomers from eating.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Here are a couple of articles about integrating chickens:

Integrating:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-a-pictorial-guide.79343/


This is another excellent article on integrating flocks:


https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-chickens-step-by-step.72815/

 

[AGeese]

You might have to start over. Any pics of your setup?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It's also a good idea to keep new chickens separated from your existing flock for sbout a month, just to be sure the newcomers aren't sick in any way, or don't have lice, mites or fleas with ehich to infest your birds or coop. It's too late for your situation this time, but good to know in the future.

 

[K0k0shka]

I assumed that after a week, they would work it out, especially since the 2 new ones started laying, which would put them at the same level.

They will never be at the same level. The original chickens will likely hate them forever and never fully accept them, but that shouldn't be your goal (because it's unrealistic). The goal is no blood or lost feathers, and no cutting off access to resources (food, water, nesting boxes etc.) They have to simply tolerate each other enough to not to damage.

As others have said, integration is a slow and painful process and takes way more than a week, and needs to be done gradually. Mixing them right away rarely ever works, as chickens don't like change and have a deep hatred for newcomers. Take them out and figure out a see-don't-touch method of introduction where they can't get at each other, and after several weeks of that, you can start thinking about letting them share space (that includes free ranging - they need to be physically separated from each other while being able to see each other for several weeks for the best chance for success).

 

[4chicksmom]

I only have 1 coop, and no run, they free range in the backyard, not able to keep them separate at all times. Found an egg under the roost today from one of the new hens. She wasn't able to lay her egg yesterday.
I did move the coop to a new place and rearranged everything inside to make it new to them all, thinking this would help everyone. But my existing 3 had a freak out and it took a long time for them to figure out where to lay their eggs yesterday. And I've seen the older peck the new ones while they were trying to lay in the nesting boxes, so I brought in a tub and another basket for egg laying. 2 of my older hens ended up sleeping in the nesting boxes last night, so that's not good.
Attaching picture of the two temporary roosts as I figure out how to permanently attach them. Spy the egg under the roost.
Also, it seems that once I lock them up, they're fine for the night because they can't reach each other. Is that progress?

 

[Mrs. K]

Get pin less peepers - in 3 weeks it will be fine.

 

[4chicksmom]

i j

Get pin less peepers - in 3 weeks it will be fine

I had to google what that was.
That may be a solution. Would I put them on for the older hens only or all of them?

 

[AGeese]

Main issue seems to be space at this point. What are the dimesions of the coop? Hopefully you don't have inclimate weather and they will always be able to free range. It may eventually work out, but if your established hens are too agressive it may not be worth it.

Also you found out they don't like change, they creatures of routine. I understand the thinking behind reranging, I do it myself as necessary, but it does upset their balance so I try to make sure everyone has exactly what they need available.