how to introduce a hen-pecked hen to a new flock?

[chickadee mamma]

Very new to raising chickens. Got two babies from my nephews classroom then bought twopullets about 16 weeks old. One turned out to be a rooster. Our neighbor also bought done new hens from the same farm, one being the mother of our for sure little hen. She was getting so beat up by his current flock he decided to pull her out and asked if we'd like her. How do we introduce her to our flock? We have one coop, one run. A very young rooster who will be leaving soon. We made the mistake of letting her out and her and the rooster immediately fought. Things have been really calm until now!

 

[Messipaw]

Definitely do a search for this subject. You will find so many helpful links. Let me know if you need help with finding the links. Good luck.

 

[chickadee mamma]

Thanks. I am trying to find answers in other threads. I keep ending up at the natural chicken raising thread! (?) Basically my husband and I decided to keep her separate from everyone else until I can be home for a whole day to keep my eye on them. We sectioned off the back of the run for her. It's sheltered and has a nesting box. (she's laying already) hopefully that will work for a few days until I'm off. She's very sweet and docile by herself. Sick of being picked on, tho!

 

[Spikes Chooks]

I'm not an expert but, from what I know, you have done exactly the right thing. She is being safely "introduced" to them but from the safety of her fenced off area. The others can see and smell her and will get more accustomed to her over a few days. Then you can try bringing her out of the separate area, when you are there to keep an eye on things.

Good luck

 

[chickadee mamma]

Thanksfor the encouragement! Never done chickens before, unfortunately I'm already way too attached and want everything to go smooth! Just want a small happy flock of egg laying ladies! I'm concerned since she is the oldest/largest she'll pick on the smaller chicks like she was. I'm not foolish, I know there will be some picking to establish pecking order. I just hate watching it!

 

[Spikes Chooks]

Oh, I know how you feel! My four girls arrived together as 8 week olds and I have very little pecking, really. Still, Top Chook puts Bottom Chook in her place quite a bit, over food. I've learnt to have two feeding areas for greens as well as mash. And I sometimes sneak her some sultanas or sunflower seeds from my pocket, when the others aren't looking. I'm the first to admit I pamper them!

It's just specualtion, but when you do let her meet the other girls, after a few days close by, it may well be she behaves in a submissive fashion. Where they are in the pecking order is not really about their size, more about temperament eg how aggressive or pushy they are. And she will have learnt to adopt submissive poses to avoid being pecked - and might just show that to a little one. Time will tell.

Let us know how you get on

All the best

 

[chickadee mamma]

So, I've let her out for a bit with the smaller gals. I put the rooster up during that time. (Figure I'll keep him out if it all together!) She is def taking on head hen roll! She pretty much keeps to herself and only gets on them if they cross her path. She doesn't seek them out to peck. They keep their distance for the most part, only when they are about to die of curiosity do they finally go check her out, only to get chased back across the coop!
I did read in one of the threads that with roosters it's best to make YOURSELF head rooster, so I'm taking that approach with the ladies. They can have their order of things, but when I'm there I'm in charge so I don't let Lucy get on the babies too much. She'll adjust, I think. The young ones will grow into their place and be settled. We did get an egg yesterday! My children were THRILLED!

 

[chickadee mamma]

So, I've let her out for a bit with the smaller gals. I put the rooster up during that time. (Figure I'll keep him out if it all together!) She is def taking on head hen roll! She pretty much keeps to herself and only gets on them if they cross her path. She doesn't seek them out to peck. They keep their distance for the most part, only when they are about to die of curiosity do they finally go check her out, only to get chased back across the coop!
I did read in one of the threads that with roosters it's best to make YOURSELF head rooster, so I'm taking that approach with the ladies. They can have their order of things, but when I'm there I'm in charge so I don't let Lucy get on the babies too much. She'll adjust, I think. The young ones will grow into their place and be settled. We did get an egg yesterday! My children were THRILLED!

 

[Spikes Chooks]

Wow! That is great news, it sounds like she is settling in well. She obviously is going to stick up for herself, with the others being littler than her, but she isn't mean and nasty. I bet you end up with a lovely-natured very happy chicken indeed! And rewarded by an egg. That's the nicest thank you we can receive.

Well done!

 

[chickadee mamma]

Haha! Exactly! I sent my friend a pic of the egg and she says 'she loves you!, she knows she's going to be spoiled'!