Help needed adding new chickens to existing group!

[mxschwartz]

Hi.

So, I have three 12 week old RIRs. I was given two new hens (barred rocks) that are close to laying age and much bigger physically. Needless to say, the last 24 hours have been watching the two big birds push around the smaller girls. They actually seem to go out of their way to harass them.

I've put out extra food/water stations. But, the bickering continues. Is there any hope for me? Any estimate how long this pecking order fighting continues? Will it stop when the three younger ones equal the older two in size in a month? Any ideas?

THANKS!

Michael

 

[catfish/okie]

May of should have kept em separated at first to make sure new ones werent sick. I recently intergrated some younger birds and the same thing happened. But 2 weeks later they all get along better now. Time will work it all out. In a few weeks they will all be like sisters. Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[Imp]

As long as they are not doing real damage, I'd just let them work it out. If it looks dangerous I'd then seperate and introduce slowly. Good luck

Imp

 

[bulldoggin74]

I had a similar problem with 2 older Red Stars hens that I introduced to my 4 WCBP pulletts. The Red Stars were relentless at picking at their crests (which I understand is a common prob with the crested breeds.) I used Blu-Kote to help the crests heal and after several weeks, they seemed to have worked it out among themselves. The Red Stars are definately at the top of the pecking order, but there isn't the harassment and picking that I was seeing at first. I agree with Imp, if there is no REAL damage, I'd just let them work it out.