I have a question about how to introduce my new chickens to the older girls.

[aart]

There's lots of variables to consider.....but space( the more the better), multiple feed/water stations, hiding places and size of birds are probably most important.

Whether you free range or not can make a big difference too, integrating in a confinement situation can be more difficult.

I found that reading about lots of different situations really helped me plan and then read and correct problems as the came up.

advanced search>titles only> integration

 

[boskelli1571]

I too am introducing two 16 week old young ladies to my established one year old ladies. I decided the run and put a kennel for them at the end for them to hang out in. I took down the net divider two weeks ago and the older ones terrorize them all day long. They are all different breeds but my light brahma is aggressive toward the younger ones.she has caused some blood letting. The little ones won't come out of their kennel all day unless I lock up the older ones. Will they always be like this? It it ever going to end?! I need harmony in the coop!!

Mrs K gives good advice. Also, if you have one particular hen who is being a bully, pull her out of the flock for a few days, then re-introduce her. This might adjust her attitude a bit, good luck!

 

[LindseyB66]

There's lots of variables to consider.....but space( the more the better), multiple feed/water stations, hiding places and size of birds are probably most important.

Whether you free range or not can make a big difference too, integrating in a confinement situation can be more difficult.

I found that reading about lots of different situations really helped me plan and then read and correct problems as the came up.

advanced search>titles only> integration

Thank you! They are confined. There are two levels though so I don't know if that will help. I will have to read up!