Hens fighting

[TarheelBirdy]

I have a group of girls - four of them - all about 5-6 months old that run around together and share a coop (3 Ameraucanas and a Buff Cochin). I have tried to integrate in a young sexlink hen that I rescued a month ago (she is probably close to their age, maybe a bit younger). They are not having it. They try to fight with her. Will this ever change? Is she just too young?

 

[Auntie]

It's normal behavior in the pecking order. Just make sure they don't over peck and kill her. Once there's blood, I notice my chickens will go at it until the deed is done beyond repair. Chickens can make great pets, but they're also one of the most vicious non-prey birds I've ever dealt with!

 

[TarheelBirdy]

Thanks. I will try it again....I didn't give them more than five minutes together each time because it worried me. I'm just not sure how long to let it go on, I guess....so I will put them together and just keep an eye on them.