How long does it take?

[snazzyboots]

We brought home four 10-12 week old pullets to join our adult hen. She has chased them some but no real pecking. My question is how long that phase will last. It’s been about the same every day. We let the new girls out of the run for a few minutes this evening and she still chased them. Will they ever get along? I’m not complaining since the introduction went better than I’d hoped. I thought it might have calmed down a bit though. I’ve had chickens for years but never had to introduce new ones so this is all new to me. Thanks

 

[Mvan42]

Yes it will calm down. It takes a while when I have introduced new ones it took about a month Ish... can’t remember for sure a least a few weeks. They are establishing the pecking order.

 

[snazzyboots]

Wow. Ok. I really hadn’t thought it would take that long. Good to know. Now I won’t worry so much. Thanks

 

[Mvan42]

Yea I have introduced twice now and they never have hurt each other they just peck and chase they also bicker over roosting spots..

 

[snazzyboots]

That’s exactly what mine are doing. They are super respectful of her but she’s still being bossy. Lol

 

[ChickNanny13]

Intergrating with the "See but no touch" method is what's been recommended. Sounds like you have just one hen (?), put her in a wire cage with food & water, the newbies in the coop. Unless you can section off part of your coop so they are together yet separated for protection of the newbies. Also if you can make "hiding" places (lean to with boards) that the newbies can hide & get away from the hen, that would be good too.

 

[aart]

Did the new birds go into coop at night?
They won't really meld into a flock until the youngers start laying.