Introducing 14 week old chickens to flock/Staw bales

[HenTen]

I'm starting to introduce my two young (14 week old) Marans hens to the rest of our flock. They have been introduced outside of the run, but the older hens keep attacking them. I've read online that when they are introduced inside the run it's a good idea to place a straw bale inside to distract the other hens, does anybody know if this works? And also, is it better to get barley or wheat straw bales?

Thanks!

 

[NatJ]

I've read online that when they are introduced inside the run it's a good idea to place a straw bale inside to distract the other hens, does anybody know if this works? And also, is it better to get barley or wheat straw bales?

The kind of straw shouldn't matter.

 

[3KillerBs]

Whatever straw is cheaper.

The idea is to provide clutter in the run to give the birds something to do and to break up sightlines so that the birds can hide when they need to.

 

[igorsMistress]

Hi there. The hens are attacking the pullets because they're competition for resources and they're strangers. Expect pecking and chasing for a bit. As long as there's no blood they'll work it out.

I generally give my birds a couple of weeks to a month of see but don't touch time by putting newbies in a separate coop but where the existing flock can see them and interact through wire.

In the run or yard it's a good idea to have multiple feed and water stations to prevent the existing flock from guarding all the resources. Plenty of things to hide under or behind can help as well. Good luck!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Rather than just a straw bale, better to add multiple types of clutter that serve as a distraction for the old birds, and the new birds can use to hide behind. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/