Introduced a new pair too early???

[rightcoast]

So I kept a new to the yard pair of laying hens side by side with an established of younger (almost laying pullets) pair of hens yesterday, and then put them together this morning. They spent about an hour or so bickering and fighting, with one of the new ones eventually winning out over the established two and "bullying" them away from water and pecking them relentlessly. After seeing her do it for over an hour, and hearing her VERY loud "bullying" vocalizations, I reisolated them. Is it too late for them to get along now? Did I blow it, or can they be reintroduced after a longer period?

 

[sourland]

However long you wait to introduce them, there will be fighting. Provide multiple feeding and water stations and as long as blood is not being drawn let them work things out. Chicken society is much like 'mean girls'.

 

[mrbillwej]

HI,
I have 2 birds that are about 3 months old, & I picked up 3 more birds 2 jersey giants & 1 Americanu, they re about 2 months old. Is it ok to mix them? or should I wait? I was told the if they were too young the older ones would kill them. I appreciate any advice.
Thank you,
bill-

 

[rightcoast]

... hmm. I figured as much. Was hoping to mitigate the loud bullying maybe with some "time out". I can see how it might not work. I'll try multiple water and food stations. Wish I would have thought of that this morning!

 

[rightcoast]

HI,
I have 2 birds that are about 3 months old, & I picked up 3 more birds 2 jersey giants & 1 Americanu, they re about 2 months old. Is it ok to mix them? or should I wait? I was told the if they were too young the older ones would kill them. I appreciate any advice.
Thank you,
bill-

Threadjacked! Not really something you should do online especially so early in a thread (there wasn't even a reply yet when you started typing, lol), but it's OK though. Seems like we have a similar problem ... though mine isn't really age related I don't think.

 

[rightcoast]

Bill, I found this, and it has a long writeup addressing exactly what you wondered. Hope it helps!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[mrbillwej]

Sorry......

didn't mean to.

 

[mrbillwej]

Hey, Thank you very much!! Great posting for beginners like myself.
Bill-