HELP, HELP, HELP - New chicken to small flock. Others are being mean. Need advice

[jimmywalt]

Until today we had 3 ISA Browns, 1 Easter Egger and 1 Bantam all born the end of March. They live in a 4'x4'x4 coop with the same size run under it and a 3'x8'x3' run attached.

Today we had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a 1-1/2 year old white Silkie (which I have been wanting for months!). All are female.

We but the new little Silkie in the run about 5 hours ago and they all are looking at each other, but 2 of the ISA Browns are attacking the Silkie at every chance they get. They are actually pulling feathers out of the silkie.

I got so mad at the 2 ISA Browns that I dumped a two-gallon bucket of water over their heads when they were by themselves in the run. They didn't like it either! (Not sure if Chickens like water or not), but I just couldn't watch them attack the new Silkie any more.

I know that they all have their pecking order, but they need to get along!!!

We live in a small subdivision where houses are very close and our chickens cannot free range. They must be kept in the pen/coop 24/7.

What can I do?

Here is a couple pictures....

The coop/run


The Bantam


The Easter Egger


The 3 ISA Browns


The new Silkie

 

[TOP KNOT]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISA_Brown I just read this yesterday because my brother needs to rehome his I S A browns. I will not take them now after reading this about them. They don't like ''new'' members in the coop, Not to mention their other problems that they can develop. Now that you posted this it confirms this to me.

 

[Kathrynmodra]

Your new silkie is adorable! I'd love to add one of these to our flock too.
Is there any way you could section off a small part of the coop to separate the troublesome chickens for a few days, so that she can be accepted by the nicer hens first. Or putting them in a cage or dog crate so they can see each other but not hurt her. Then try letting them back in supervised to see what happens. I know chickens have a pecking order and don't like newbies. Perhaps after a few days they would forget what the problem was.
I have not had that problem with my ISA browns at all. Mine must be at the bottom of the pecking order. They are very quiet and docile. Always my favourite for cuddles! My Leghorns on the other hand....
Good luck, I hope they start getting along!