Integrating single pullet into flock

[Modie]

Hello chicken friends! I have a small backyard flock of three 18 week old hens, and one 8 week ameraucana. I’ve had the baby out in our coop for several weeks now in a large wire dog kennel. Now, I’m trying to figure out at what point I take out the kennel and let the natural pecking order take place. It’s so hard to watch her get ganged up on, and I’m so afraid that the bigger girls will seriously injure or kill her! Is this even something I should worry about, or do I need to suck it up and let them work it out on their own?

 

[Flockandfowl46]

You could probably go ahead with it but I would add some tree branches or some other place for her to hide if need be I'm kind of old school and I having had any deaths yet but there's always a first so it's how you feel about it right now that matters you could always wait but then she may never fit in ,you know the temperament of your birds so judge that ,the type of birds matter too as far as temperament wish you the best of luck hun

 

[Modie]

Thank you so much! She’s been out with them all morning and it’s been peaceful so far! I’ve been meaning to make some more stuff for them to climb on, so I’ll get on that! I didn’t even think about tree branches!

 

[aart]

Integration Basics:

It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[Modie]

This is so helpful! Thank you so much

Integration Basics:

It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[Mrs. K]

If it is working, you are probably good to go.

 

[emmyn74]

If it doesn't work...I take mine and put them in a wire cage in the same pen as the others for about a week....they get used to seeing the new one and being around it...and then after a week...let them out of the cage...and u won't have the shock of adding a new chicken into their territory without never seeing them before.