Help new chicken problems

[Chickens rule 33]

Hi all
On Wednesday I got 2 new chickens ( who are 20 weeks old ) to add to my 2 hybrids ( who are 3) . However whenever the new chickens try to come out of the coop my original 2 attack them . I am going away on Sunday so need advice on what to do as I won't be able to supervise them after Sunday .
Thanks
Can I do anything to make them get on ?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's always best to keep new birds separated by a fence for a few weeks before trying to combine them. New chickens are seen as intruders and your current birds will attempt to drive them out or kill them.

Integration requires time and patience. If you are leaving I would separate them, otherwise it may end badly, especially if no one is around to separate if necessary.

 

[chickengirl778]

You will need to introduce them more slowly to disrupt the pecking order as little as possible! It would have been best to quarantine the new birds for 30 days, but it might be too late for that. This website has great info on introducing new birds: https://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2012/04/adding-to-established-flock-pullet.html

 

[aart]

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.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[yushdaddy]

i've recently got 2 new chickens and they wont eat or drink at all. it's been 2 weeks now.... what should i do?

 

[aart]

i've recently got 2 new chickens and they wont eat or drink at all. it's been 2 weeks now.... what should i do?

Would be best to start a new thread here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/chicken-behaviors-and-egglaying.18/create-thread
..and describe the situation in more detail.