I have two Brahma hens that are having trouble joining the flock. Help!!??

[BauerWFarm]

There is one phot that is an awkward pano I tried to take…. But it does show the full area… others I handed to show the freedoms we occasionally allow… letting them in the backyard for example.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Well overall the outside space looks pretty good now that I can see a further back shot showing how much room overall they have access to. Nice amount of clutter that breaks up the space too. Sounds like the 2 Brahmas are just really low in the pecking order, so the others harass them. I assume they haven't been injured significantly from the others (a few feathers pulled out is ok, but no open wounds?) My hope at this point would be that once the Brahmas come into lay (which may still be a while) that the others will start to accept having them around more, which is a pretty common thing in flocks.

One thing, and I can't tell clearly from the photos, is if all the feeders are clustered on that one stand, would be to separate them and move them around the overall space so that a bird eating at one feeder cannot clearly see birds at every other feeder. That'll give the shy ones a better chance at getting a bite to eat with less harassment.

 

[BauerWFarm]

Well overall the outside space looks pretty good now that I can see a further back shot showing how much room overall they have access to. Nice amount of clutter that breaks up the space too. Sounds like the 2 Brahmas are just really low in the pecking order, so the others harass them. I assume they haven't been injured significantly from the others (a few feathers pulled out is ok, but no open wounds?) My hope at this point would be that once the Brahmas come into lay (which may still be a while) that the others will start to accept having them around more, which is a pretty common thing in flocks.

One thing, and I can't tell clearly from the photos, is if all the feeders are clustered on that one stand, would be to separate them and move them around the overall space so that a bird eating at one feeder cannot clearly see birds at every other feeder. That'll give the shy ones a better chance at getting a bite to eat with less harassment.

Thank you! I will make sure some of the feeder are more “hidden”. Someone had mentioned using mesh cloths in one corner so they had a place they could be less noticed…. I’ve noticed feathers especially…. No wounds That is why do I try to place them in the under age of the coop at night…. Otherwise the adult brahmas especially will get after them the most. I’ve also been told they may not lay for another 4 months possibly…. I’ll take your advice…. Brahmas are usually at the bottom of pecking order and I don’t really want to see that happen. However, they stay together most of the time, and at least can find places to play hide and seek…. I know if one gets injured to remove immediately.

Thanks again

 

[rosemarythyme]

I will make sure some of the feeder are more “hidden”. Someone had mentioned using mesh cloths in one corner so they had a place they could be less noticed….

Just make sure that any sort of clutter/blind/panel in a corner allows for escape from at least 2 sides (i.e. leaning a pallet across a corner with both bottom corners open for exit) so they won't get cornered. For the most part your placement of clutter looks good.