help!!!!

[chrisets]

Why why why? I introduced a New hen in to my flock and they keep on attacking her. Is this normal? Will they ever get along she is the sweetest hen.

 

[Judy]

Yes it's normal. Hopefully in time they will tolerate each other. Generally you just let them work it out, providing no blood is drawn. If there is a wound, the wounded one needs to be separated til healed. Problem is, separating just one chicken and returning her to the flock several days later puts her at the bottom of the pecking order.

 

[jak2002003]

Yes it's normal. Hopefully in time they will tolerate each other. Generally you just let them work it out, providing no blood is drawn. If there is a wound, the wounded one needs to be separated til healed. Problem is, separating just one chicken and returning her to the flock several days later puts her at the bottom of the pecking order.

I found letting them sort it out themselves is the best way.

If she gets any wounds (not likely) then you will indeed need to segregate her because the other chickens will keep pecking at the wound.

If that happens you should not take her away from the flock, or she will be at the bottom of pecking order again like 'Flockwatcher' says.

I would put her in a large dog crate or similar thing with food and water, and place that in the coop with the other hens. They can then see and touch each other, but not actually fight.

I found this method is good for all new chickens before I let them out with the rest. This is to give everyone time to get used to the sight and sound of each other, and give the new chickens time to settle in and gain confidence.

 

[dainerra]

It's also better to not add just 1 bird. That focuses all of the existing flock's attention on 1 target.
I either add at least 3-4 new birds or I take one of the original flock out to live witj the new girl for a week or so and then introduce them back into the flock together.