Integrating a bantam into small flock of regular hens.

[deidregood]

Meet Gertie. She is a feisty bantam I’m trying to integrate with my five hens. I thought I’d have to protect her from the others. Turns out she goes after them, but ends up getting hurt because she doesn’t realize she’s half their size. She even crows, which is hilarious. I have her attached to the main run with her own small run and coop, so they all see each other.

I can let her outside with the others and she’ll mostly do her own thing. I’ve tried some techniques to teach her she’s not the dominant hen, but these lessons don’t sick. It’s been a month and I’m running out of ideas. She can stay separate and safe indefinitely, but that isn’t optimal.

On the plus side, she’s social with people. I can take her outside while working in the yard and she’ll stick close by.

Thoughts?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

A month isn't all that long integrating a single hen. I'd expect it to take a few months, and she will always be separate as chickens tend to stick with those they were raised with.

 

[deidregood]

Success! Gertie is with the big girls as of yesterday. She spends a lot of time on perches, but no injuries. Yay!