Integrating pullets

[abigailb]

Off subject.

Please break your posts down into bite size pieces. Your original post could be broken up into 5 paragraphs. One long post can be difficult to read, especially for we older folk.

Thanks.

Will do, thank you!

 

[abigailb]

I like the current setup very much...and it looks like you may have fewer nest box battles with the 2 nesting areas. Doubting that roosting together will work for space, pecking order all in one of the structures. They need space to stretch and flap wings inside, and it can get very warm with a bunch of bodies camping in one small structure. If it ain't broke, maybe don't fix it, except to remove or make an adjustment to the dividing screen so they can choose to explore the other areas? Adding more perches (that don't attract red mites) would be enjoyed by all. Sawhorses from the garage work great for our flock.

Thank you! Unfortunately the nursery coop is not nearly as secure/winter proof as the main coop, so I think we'll have to consider our space options and needs. But maybe for now we should re-open the small one, due to the one older hen that is harassing the pullets?

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Thank you! Unfortunately the nursery coop is not nearly as secure/winter proof as the main coop, so I think we'll have to consider our space options and needs. But maybe for now we should re-open the small one, due to the one older hen that is harassing the pullets?

I'd lock the bully up in the nursery coop for a few days, put the divider back up, and see how the others do together.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The run is about 26' long and 3'-4' wide. The main coop is 8'X5-6'. I have the auto door configured to run on a timer. I have two sources of water in the run for a total of 5 nipples. There are two large no-waste feeders in the coop and a smaller one in the coop that only the pullets can fit their head in (but will outgrow shortly).

Nice length on the run and there is a bit of clutter, but the narrowness is an issue when you have a bully because the chicks cannot get by without offending her. So more clutter might help provide cover, like a couple pallets leaned against the wall.

Having all the feeders in one area can be an issue, as the older birds can easily guard them. Ideally you want multiple feeders spread out so that a bird eating at one location can't look around and see where everyone else is eating.

When I came out this morning, it was as I had feared- the other 3 hens were fine with the younger ones, but the mean one was basically terrorizing them- chasing them around in the run. The run is relatively narrow so they keep trying to get away from her but running into each other. They were of course upset that they couldn't get into their nursery coop.

If they're upset but not injured I'd consider that good enough at this time - though in this case I'd also think about leaving the nursery coop open and accessible during daylight hours so they can shelter there if they want (just close it at dusk so they won't go in there for overnight, and then open it back up later in the night).

 

[Sunrider]

Off subject.

Please break your posts down into bite size pieces. Your original post could be broken up into 5 paragraphs. One long post can be difficult to read, especially for we older folk.

Thanks.

 

[Sunrider]

Such a great idea posting in separate paragraphs! With such a long post..I've forgotten what was said in first part of post by the time I get to the end.

 

[Yakisugi Coop]

I agree with the suggestion to lock up the bully hen in the nursery coop. I just did that for a few weeks after our bully tried to kill a pullet. I reintroduced her to the flock a few days ago and she’s totally fine with the pullets now. You could keep your bully locked up while you’re on vacation.