Intergrating 2 adults hens to a group of 4 adults hens

[sherwoodchucks]

Hi All

We rescued 2 hens. They have been in quarantine for 4 weeks and appear healthy.

For the last week I have had the 2 new hens in a pen next to the 4 so they could get used to each other. I did this daily for a few hours at a time.

2 nights ago we placed the 2 newbies into the coup at night as instructed. All seemed OK in the morning but I have to physically remove the newbies in to the run outside as they appeared scared.

For the past 2 days the group of 4 are pecking at the 2 new girls especially one of them so to help with them intergraet I have still been separating the 2 and 4 in the day into separate pens. The can still eye ball each other but not physically get to each other.

I've just placed them all back into their outside run as a 6 and the mayhem's starting again - the one that's being picked on is hiding all the time - she has perches to fly to and a shed they can go inside to also.

Is this normal? Am I interfering too much? I'm new to keeping chickens so any help and guidance would be appreciated.

The 2 newbies have had a real rough trot in their previous home so I'm desperate for them to be happy with us....

Thank you x

 

[Loghousemom]

Can you let them out to free range at all?

I have noticed when I integrate new birds it works well to do something similar to what you are doing. The only thing I think I do differently is I let them out to free range when introducing them. It seems to help them get their space and have places to hide or run when another bird comes at them. It is good you are out there watching, so keep doing that as well. They will work out the pecking order and it will be ok. Try not to interfere unless someone is really getting injured.

 

[aart]

You might want to leave them in side by side pens for a few weeks, then put them together.
You will probably have to watch some abuse, it will take awhile for them to figure it out.
Don't interfere unless there is a lot of blood, every time you take them back out they have to start over.
Make sure they have hiding places and multiple food and water sources.

You could always take on one of the four (the nicest one?) and put it in the with new two and if they get along let that go for a couple/few weeks, then put all together.

 

[sherwoodchucks]

Can you let them out to free range at all?

I have noticed when I integrate new birds it works well to do something similar to what you are doing. The only thing I think I do differently is I let them out to free range when introducing them. It seems to help them get their space and have places to hide or run when another bird comes at them. It is good you are out there watching, so keep doing that as well. They will work out the pecking order and it will be ok. Try not to interfere unless someone is really getting injured.

I used to free range them but last week a fox had one of the hens so that's is why I now put them in crates to free range and have a good scratch around. Thye're a decent size but it's not the same for them but I know it's only a matter of time til the fox is back I see them daily as we live in the woods ;-(