Last week I started a thread because I was concerned about integrating a bullied adult hen that I was taking in with my three - 13 week pullets. So, she arrived Saturday mid afternoon while my girls were free ranging the backyard. She seemed nervous (of course) and when she was near my girls she chased & pecked them. Her owner said that she has never behaved that way with her hens. My girls are terrified of her and run away when she is near. While in the run (8x16) she will go after them. It seems while free ranging she wants to be with them but they run away. I feel bad for all 4 because everyone is a bag of nerves! The first 2 nights my girls slept on the floor of coop (they've been learning to roost). I have put them on the roost for 2 nights and have to stop the big hen from pecking at them. Once she stops there is peace until morning (I've used a baby monitor to listen at night). I bought a cheapie coop to put in or alongside the run to separate them. Is it too late for that? Will it make any progress they've had end? Do I keep them together to work it out (w/ my intervention when needed). The big girl is not confident to remain their leader. Will the dynamics change as the get bigger? Big girl - "Lil Scooter is a RIR runt @ 2.4 years. My girls are 14 weeks - Laverne EE, Pippi RIR, Holly BO. Please, any and all comments are welcome & will help!! Thanks.
