Integration problems

[Lcosta2]

I have been working on integrating my older flock of 7 who are 16 weeks old with my younger flock of 5 who are now 10 weeks old since the younger ones were 2 weeks old. They were inside the coop in their own space where older ones could see them. Over time, the younger ones were in a dog crate inside the run until eventually they were all placed together. There are multiple feeders and waterers in the run, along with several roosting bars and other places for them to hide. They all go in to coop at night, but the younger ones wait about 10 minutes after the big girls are in. In the last few weeks, I've noticed my alpha brahma constantly chases the younger ones into coop during day and won't let them out. Last night we had a bad storm and she chased them and wouldn't let them inside coop, so several got locked out. I had to go put them all in. Is there a possibility they are never going to integrate? Im thinking about removing the Brahma from the flock

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

How big are the coop and run? Do you free range at all?

 

[Lcosta2]

Coop is 6x8 with two regular roosting bars on opposite sides, and smaller ladder with three bars. The run is 10x16 so should be plenty of space for 12 birds. I cannot free range because property butts up to neighbor who has dogs. We are in the country so tall fences are out of the question

 

[Bsmac]

We have some light Brahmas they are the dominate birds in our flock. Never mean but they are assertive! You might try giving the Alpha Brahma a timeout where they can see each other for a few days to a week or so. Is she the only one giving the younger birds problems?

 

[thecatumbrella]

The run is 10x16 so should be plenty of space for 12 birds. I cannot free range because property butts up to neighbor who has dogs.

We're in very similar situations. Unfortunately, the 10 sqft/bird thing is kind of bunk unless you have A LOT of clutter. Like, junkyard levels. My run is 9x18, and I swear the thing gets smaller every day. We had difficulty housing 7 bantams once they started to get hormonal. 4-5 seems to be the sweet spot for us.

I'd personally boot the Brahma for two reasons:
1. Less birds in the run.
2. You're working towards keeping birds with the best personalities for a confinement situation.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I kept 12 in a similar sized space but with added space under the coop and it felt a little tight to me when they were full grown. As long as there is no blood and everyone is eating I would just keep an eye on things. Nighttime is always a bit of a to-do and once everyone starts laying it will upset the order again. You can try time out but you need a boss hen and if she’s not being super aggressive I would let it be

 

[thecatumbrella]

You can try time out but you need a boss hen and if she’s not being super aggressive I would let it be

That's a really good point!

 

[Bsmac]

I kept 12 in a similar sized space but with added space under the coop and it felt a little tight to me when they were full grown. As long as there is no blood and everyone is eating I would just keep an eye on things. Nighttime is always a bit of a to-do and once everyone starts laying it will upset the order again. You can try time out but you need a boss hen and if she’s not being super aggressive I would let it be

I agree, sometimes it just takes a while, and yes at night there is always squabbling. I have done two integrations this year. The first 6 went better than anyone could have hoped for! The second group were two Golden Laced Wyandottes and two Australorps. The Australorps did pretty well but the GLW started out a bit to bossy with the older birds! They are known for that kind of behavior. Getting better, but slowly. Sometimes you just have to be very patient! I hope it works out for you!

 

[Lcosta2]

We have some light Brahmas they are the dominate birds in our flock. Never mean but they are assertive! You might try giving the Alpha Brahma a timeout where they can see each other for a few days to a week or so. Is she the only one giving the younger birds problems?

Yes. She chases them constantly. The others will lightly peck when the want them to move over, but she's the only one that chases. I thought maybe just a hormone thing, but I think this may be a permanent thing

 

[ClickityChick123]

I've noticed my alpha brahma constantly chases the younger ones into coop during day and won't let them out.

My older chickens will do the exact same thing to the young ones, a lot of clutter is nice and you can distract the older hens with treats so the little ones can get out.

She chases them constantly. The others will lightly peck when the want them to move over, but she's the only one that chases.

I would probably put her in jail for a week or two, a kennel or something where it's see and no touch and just her. Hopefully this helps!