Integration question, specific situation.

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How long has the rooster been gone? You should expect it to take some time for everyone to adjust. I have had some that just prefer to hide, I just let them do so and I will make sure they get something to eat and drink too, some aren't cut out for the drama. Many times after even months of hiding they will emerge one day, having found some confidence. I'm assuming since you hen can sit on the roof your set up is smaller, which can make it hard for all the members to feel comfortable, the bottom birds need to stay away from the dominant members or risk constant punishment, if the set up is smaller they can't always get away.

 

[aart]

So it's the one new girl that hiding on the roof?
Could you post a pic of your setup?

 

[Hoopla63]

I'll get you a pic in a bit. Meanwhile, I tried what some others have talked about and put the aggressive girl into the smaller inner coop/run so she is separate from the other two I think I might leave her there overnight. I had one old girl (roof top addie) and I brought the two new girls in - one of the new hens is the aggressor but only towards Addie. Though I guess they hadn't really been together when I 1st got them and the aggressive roo did go after her new partner and she ended submitting fine and it all works.

 

[aart]

Good idea to put the more aggressive in solitary for a few hours or a day or two.
So..... also how long has rooster been gone

You might want to do some chicken juggling.......switch off which bird is in the smaller enclosure.
Varying who, when, and how long as you see fit....just kind of shake up things.

Then try reuniting all 3 and see what happens.

Best if cLuck!

 

[Hoopla63]

Thank you so much for your input, we took the roo out Friday, then snuck the new girls into the dark coop on Friday night. So it hasn't been very long, it's just the old girl has spent so much time on the roof to escape over breeding from the roo that I feel like she is knows no other way. I have the aggressor separated now and my old girl hasn't been on the roof at all and is getting along fine with the other new girl.

 

[Hoopla63]

Thought 'd give you all an update and let you see what I've been talking about. Things have calmed down as of late. I think all three girls are going to be fine, thank you all for your help.

 

[aart]

I can see why she's hiding up there.....it's the only place to 'hide'.
Any improvements?
Have you tried isolating one or another bird at all?
Keep Juggling!

 

[Hoopla63]

Yes things are improving a lot. She could also go inside the coop to hide but they only seem to go in there to lay or at night. I did isolate the rowdy one for one full day and then put her in the box that same night, in the morning there was market improvement and now she spends a lot less time on the roof. They are mingling together well and no one is chasing any more.

 

[aart]

Yes things are improving a lot. She could also go inside the coop to hide but they only seem to go in there to lay or at night. I did isolate the rowdy one for one full day and then put her in the box that same night, in the morning there was market improvement and now she spends a lot less time on the roof. They are mingling together well and no one is chasing any more.

Well, true, she could go in coop.
Glad there is improvement.

 

[Hoopla63]

Boy did I speak too soon, too good to be true. Some time this morning early, the aggressive hen really messed up the rooftop girl. Had to do some first aid and basically put the aggressor back in the small coop - I'll keep her there for 3 days this time by herself, if she attacks upon re-emerging, I'll have to rehome her. I got her from someone who was anxious to get rid of her, I wonder if they had problems as well. :-( fingers crossed we can get this worked out for all the girls.