Integration - how much does size matter

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Juliamcda

Chirping
5 Years
Mar 6, 2018
23
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87
Fallon NV
My question is: Will size always be an issue for my 3 girls or will they get on eventually?

I started out last year with 4 lovely ladies, went out one morning and my little HeyHey was past away. I suspected Goldie had done her in because she was a mean little Ameraucana. She picked on everyone so I decided to rehome her instead of disposing of her (could not do it.) Then I was down to two ladies who got on well. Now I have a new lady, a little Ameraucana - Squeaky, 1.5 years old sweet as the day is long. I have her in a large dog crate separate from my other two big ladies, she has her own food, water and perch. I have read on this web to keep separate for approximately two weeks when introducing new ladies to the flock. So, I let the big girls out for awhile, then let the little one out for awhile. I tried to see what would happen if I let Squeaky out with the big girls and she was attacked. She wasn't hurt, I was right there. Will they integrate?
 
Two things: When you let her out, what area did you let her out in? The run that the other 2 are using? A more neutral area (i.e. a part of you yard they normally don't go to?) Is there anything in the area you did the introductions in - that is, are there any hiding spots provided?

Also you said they attacked her. What exactly did they do? Some pecking is normal and expected and I would not interfere, however if damage is being done or she is being kept from eating/drinking, then that's an issue.
 
to answer your title question, does size matter?, no it does not in my experience. My dominant hen is the smallest of 6, and intimidates birds nearly twice her size. Dominance is determined by personality not size.
 
rosemarythyme said:
Two things: When you let her out, what area did you let her out in? The run that the other 2 are using? A more neutral area (i.e. a part of you yard they normally don't go to?) Is there anything in the area you did the introductions in - that is, are there any hiding spots provided?

Also you said they attacked her. What exactly did they do? Some pecking is normal and expected and I would not interfere, however if damage is being done or she is being kept from eating/drinking, then that's an issue.
Click to expand...

Hi, I did let her out in the area the other two normally use. I had planned on letting them out in the yard this weekend. An article said let the new one out first to get familiar then let the other two out. I have new hen in dog cage right beside the coop area so they can see each other but cannot get to each other. No hiding spots, will work on that. In attacking her Robin jumped on her back and started to peck her. Then Lilly tried to do the same thing. No damage other then fright because I was right there.
 
Perris said:
to answer your title question, does size matter?, no it does not in my experience. My dominant hen is the smallest of 6, and intimidates birds nearly twice her size. Dominance is determined by personality not size.
Click to expand...

Thank you great to hear, I was wondering if I had made a mistake.
 
So are you saying you have had the new girl in the cage beside the cage for 2 weeks? Or are you saying you jumped the gun and let her out with the others too soon?
 
I jumped the gun. Just got the new girl Thursday. She is in pen now and Lilly is sitting behind her cage. sending you pic of the coop area. I do let them out every day for an hour or so.
 

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