Integrating hens.

[I have WHAT in my yard?]

Have inherited my niece's three hens. One of them is a favorite of hers that she spoiled rotten. It was a house hen for a long time before she forced it to go back into the coop. (hubby said it was him or the hen)

Anyway, I have them in a separate coop now with a wire mesh so they can see each other. And I free ranged them together briefly last night. One hen got attacked by the roo, submitted quickly and was let back in in the coop (she ran to her side) The other however, immediately attacked one of the hens and refused to back down. I want to let them duke it out while free ranging so the submissive ones have room to get away. Or should I shove them all in the coop and shut them in until they work it out??

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd give them as much room as possible. If they are in a small area, the submissive hen may not be able to get away from the dominant one. The dominant one sees that as a challenge and keeps attacking. If the submissive one can get away, the dominant one may accept her triumph and quit attacking. This may not work, but I think your odds of success are much greater of they have more room.

Good luck!