Integration Issues?

[awizkey]

Yes I can get into the run.

 

[awizkey]

They went into the coop on their own tonight (without encouragement lol). Baby steps hahaha

 

[aart]

They went into the coop on their own tonight (without encouragement lol). Baby steps hahaha

That's a huge step!
Most contentious time of day is the RoostTimeRumble, even for well established flocks.

 

[awizkey]

I went out there to put them in (as I did the night before) and they just went to the door and slowly walked in. Small victory. I just need that fencing already. I think it's going to rain tomorrow, so hopefully not too bad where I can't get it up.

 

[Fluffy&Cutie]

If your birds can see any bird from any position in the run, you need more clutter. Mini walls, pallets up of bricks, roosts, all make use of the third dimension height. Hidden feed stations where a bird can eat out of sight of the others is a good deal. Currently I have old hens, pullets at point of lay and chicks and a broody hen and a rooster. I feed in 3-4 different spots, most hidden from view of the other spots.

Another trick next time, is to turn out the older established hens, and then let the new hens loose in the coop/run. This allows them to explore the situation without being chased madly and attacked. If you want, go in and give them a little chase yourself, so they can find the hide outs. Let the big girls in just before dark, the urge to roost will compete with the urge to fight.

You are over the worst of it, but more stuff in the run is nearly as important as more room. If you think on it, if you add a pallet up on bricks you have added more usable space. You will think I am crazy, but when I am doing something like this integration, I rearrange the furniture. Chickens hate change, so when I am making a change, I try and change it all up at once. Kind of spreads the focus out.

Mrs K

that is amazing info! i haven't found that type of info anywhere else. all the run pictures are usually very empty except for the roosting posts. thanks!!!

 

[awizkey]

Well the fencing came today and I set it up. I hung 2 suets and added another flock block on the new side. The ladies and rooster are hanging on the new side, allowing the newbies to check things out a bit. I watched for a while and every now and then one will come out from around the other side and see the newbies eating the suet. Pretty simmered down from yesterday. They just run over (the newbies get out of the way) peck the suet and go back to the other side. I am finally feeling optimistic this may be a successful integration. Thank you for all the advice!!!

 

[manorhousechix]

I’m having a similar issue!

Just integrated an 8 wk EE with my 5 newly laying 6 month old girls. The existing flock is mixed breed and a mix of bantys and standards so I figured size wouldn’t be much of an issue. They are all being TERRIBLE to the new gal. Cornering her and taking turns pecking her, refusing to let her in the Coop after free ranging, generally being rude. When this happens I put her back in her separate cage (only visual contact) and try again the next day. I’ve been trying to let them free range together but my new girl won’t follow the rest of the flock. It’s so sad- like watching a bullied loner in high school. Is been about 10 days and I’m hoping things will improve with time. (Maybe?)

This thread has been super helpful! I’d love to keep hearing people’s opinions!

 

[awizkey]

That's how it was the entire first day and a half for us. I felt so bad. The hiding spots helped a bunch! Instead of every 10-15 minutes an attack, it has gone to once every hour or so. They again went into the coop on their own. I read on other threads the integration process basically starts over every time you remove the bird from the flock. I was very tempted to do just that, but hung in there, watching for hours to make sure nothing awful happened. Seems like things are improving. I also read that by at least having a pair being integrated is better so they aren't just bullying one. I hope for the best for you and your EE!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Thank you for the input. New fencing may be in the future. I have more of the same fencing coming tues (was supposed to be here 3 days ago) that will extend behind the coop and onto the other side. The netting on top faired pretty well last fall/winter. Hubby is getting ready to deploy in a couple weeks so just trying to get everyone situated. May get the dog pens in the future. I do plan on getting some perches set up as well. He is one gorgeous guy He knows it too lol

Where did you get the fencing?

 

[awizkey]

Amazon. I had chicken wire prior, and they kept escaping. I had to get something affordable quick because we have a lot of predatory birds here (literally had a hawk flapping at the fence trying to get to them) and I didn't want them to get taken. It has faired well and I can get in and out just fine.