Hens cackling LOUDLY after introducing new pullets...Will it ever stop?

[basement chick]

I have two one year old Golden Comet hens. I split their shed in half with a temporary fence and put five, six week old pullets and a six week old cockerel that I raised in my basement on the other side of the fence this morning. The older hens still have access to their nest boxes and run. The hens are going nuts. Cackling inside and outside. They crammed themselves into one nest box and cackled. They did quiet down for an afternoon nap in a dirt hole in the run but then right back at it. Has anyone else experienced this and if so how long does it go on? Will they ever get along?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have two one year old Golden Comet hens. I split their shed in half with a temporary fence and put five, six week old pullets and a six week old cockerel that I raised in my basement on the other side of the fence this morning. The older hens still have access to their nest boxes and run. The hens are going nuts. Cackling inside and outside. They crammed themselves into one nest box and cackled. They did quiet down for an afternoon nap in a dirt hole in the run but then right back at it. Has anyone else experienced this and if so how long does it go on? Will they ever get along?

That's pretty normal - they are alerting to "invaders" in their territory - the noise alerts the other flock members and also serves as a warning to the invaders to get out. It may improve as early as tomorrow morning when they go through a sleep/wake cycle and the newbies are still there.

 

[basement chick]

Thank goodness! The neighbors must think I'm kicking chickens today! LOL

 

[drumstick diva]

Knowing hens , they are probably saying "there goes the neighborhood," youngsters trying to move into their adult community. Oh the shame of it all. They'll get over it.

 

[basement chick]

Here I was concerned about the little ones adjusting to the big coop and my big girls are the ones giving me fits! They should sleep well tonight with all the energy they're expending today.