Flock Integration Question

[icklepeep]

Hello! Long time lurker, first time poster.

We have two flocks. The first one consists of a pair acquired in 2019; a buff Orpington and an EE. This combo came about because we started out with more, however the Orpington ended up being a lone survivor and we had to get her at a buddy in the meantime.

February of this year, we got our second flock. It consists of a mix of 8 breeds that grew up together and they get along well with one another. Some squabbles, but normal behaviour. They're all just started to lay eggs except for one, so they're about at the 6 month age mark and our older girls are at 1.5 years and ready to moult.

Currently they are housed in two separate coops/runs, but they butt right up next to each other so they can see each other through the hardware cloth. They do free range for a couple hours every day together and have been doing this for 3+ months now. However, my EE's behaviour is not improving.

I researched and followed techniques and recommendations in the pinned thread and other resources. For instance, the two flocks were introduced so that they could see each other, but they were still in separate areas. When they did share the area I set up at least 2 food and 2 water stations. I leave them alone for the most part to work it out, but Ms. EE is relentless. She doesn't have a particular target either.

At this point my next step would be to try isolating my EE, but I need some clarification since the pair dynamic would essentially create two solo birds and a possible coop transfer. I think I'm also overwhelmed and a bit confused too! Anyway, here are my questions:

1. How would this effect my EE's free range time?

2. Will my Orp be ok on her own in the coop by herself or would this also act as an isolation for her?

3. During the time my EE is isolated, do I want to try to get the Orp integrated with the newer flock and into their coop? My family is concerned about leaving them overnight and something bad happening.

I know this is a lot, but any insight would be helpful since rehoming would be the final option if this fails. She's actually very snuggly and sweet and I would love to keep her. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide. Thanks!

 

[aart]

but Ms. EE is relentless

She may be incorrigible....some birds just don't fit into a flock.

How big are the coops and runs, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help here to see what you have to work with.

1. She wouldn't get to play with the others, time out for 'bad' bird.
2. She should be fine, she gets along with the youngers while ranging?
And if coops/runs are adjacent, she won't really be 'alone'.
3. Hard to say, suggestions might depend on set up.

Might try mixing and matching...put 'bad' bird in new birds territory while putting a few younger birds in old birds territory. Switch them up, diffuse the territoriality, confusing their day can be good distraction. Chicken Juggling!

Just some thoughts.

Maybe you've seen this....but, tips on...
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[aart]

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @icklepeep
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