We introduced 2 new birds the same age to the 4 we have over the weekend and we have 2 that are being very aggressive and just mean. Any ideas on how to make it better?
Hello and Welcome To BYC! It is usually best to have a long period of the two flocks being able to see each other but no touching, through wire seem to work well, ie dividing the coop into two sections or keeping the new/younger ones in a cage inside the coup for a couple of weeks to a month at least. The chickens will get to know each other and sort of work out a pecking order before actually coming in contact with each other. After a week or two, letting them free range together is a good idea and should help... It will take a couple of weeks to get the pecking order sorted out. There is a nice article in the Learning Center on integrating flocks you might like to check out, the part about actually combining them is after the quarantine section https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock
Hello there and welcome to BYC! Yes, you need to keep the newbies separate in a cage or fenced off area but within the flock at all times. Leave the new birds separate for about 3 or so weeks. Everybody sees, nobody touches. This allows everybody to get to know each other from behind wire. You can't just throw new birds into an existing flock. There is a pecking order and it can be brutal. After about 3 or so weeks, you can mix them all together. Make sure to put out more food and water stations so the new birds do not have to compete. And always intervene if it turns bloody. Good luck and welcome to our flock!
Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help. X3 the see but don't touch is the best method. Let them see and be around each other but still separated so they can't peck each other for about two or four weeks. Then let them mix slowly. Make sure there are extra feeders, waterers and places to hide.
Welcome to BYC! Glad you decided to join our flock. You have been given some good advice by the other members and a good link by Kelsie2290. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck in integrating your new birds into your flock.
