Help with Cochin Behavior

[lv9777]

I recently purchased two 5 month old Black Cochin Pullets. I was down to a single hen (long story) and did not want her to be lonely. She is a bossy barred rock so I liked that the Cochins were large, good natured, and according to my reading the similar color should have been helpful. I have two coops, so they are separated and having supervised visitation under a tramp modified to be a chicken run that does not need to be shoveled out as we are in Michigan. My barred rock, Marble, is pecking a bit, but no blood and will go off and scratch. She does quickly return if the Cochins peck at anything. The problem is the Cochins aren't acting as I thought they would. They do not run away but sit down, huddle together, and scream when Marble approaches. I decided that maybe they needed to feel more comfortable in the space first, but they don't even explore much and tend to just sit together. I have the Cochins under the tramp and Marble free ranging so they can see each other but not interact. As long as they are under the tramp, Marble ignores them and they just sit and look scared. I am not sure how to make them adjust better. They are not afraid of me and are easily handled. However, they do not act like any other chickens I have raised. They do not exit the coop unless I carry them out. They do not scratch or dust bathe. They do not roost, but sit together in the straw.
I did buy them from a breeder and they appear healthy. I am wondering if they lived life in a cage and not with a flock. If this is the case, will they find their natural chicken instincts? Or is this normal for Cochins?

 

[azygous]

One thing about Cochins, they are very lazy. But more may be going on with your two.

First, what is a "tramp"? Got a photo?

Young pullets are naturally afraid of older chickens. It would probably be best to keep the older one separated for a few weeks until the Cochins become comfortable and self confident in their new home. Then supervise mingling of the three with brief encounters at first, gradually increasing them. If you see Marble peck at one of the Cochins, terminate the visit. Your goal is to let the Cochins grow their self confidence so they can happily hold their own against Marble.

 

[lv9777]

Sorry, I have a large trampoline and no children to use it anymore. It makes a nice run for the chickens when they can't free range.
I will let the new girls acclimate a bit and hope that they start to adjust. I also thought I would move Marble over to their coop when they were starting to get along. Is there anything else that I can do to make them adjust more quickly?

 

[azygous]

I would take things a s slowly as you can. This is because Cochins need a lot of lead time when making decisions and adjusting to things. They are generally very docile and laid back. But occasionally, you get one that is fearful and untrusting. When you take things too quickly before a chicken has processed the situation, they can panic, especially being in new surroundings. Let them settle in, become comfortable and at home, before they have to face the stress of forming a new pecking order. Plan on cruising gently through the next three weeks on this little social project.

 

[lv9777]

Thanks for the time frame. It is helpful. Marble is so adaptable that the difference is quite amazing. I will keep them apart (visual but separate) for at least 3 more weeks and then move forward slowly, letting them lead the time frame. I appreciate the advice.