Introducing 3 EE into a flock of 6 (all hens)

[2 Magnolias Egg]

I have 3 18 week old EE that I will be introducing into a flock of 6 girls. The 6 are about 1 year old. I have a good size run/coop for them to be in. They have been relatively close to each other for months now, so they have seen/heard each other. Any advice one they are in the same cage is appreciated. I understand there will be a pecking order, but how much "fight it out" should I let go on, etc.?

 

[sloanbychoice]

If possible, I would first add one of the older girls into the pen of newbies. See how that goes first.
If all goes well, try another one.

Once you fully integrate them, try to make sure you have obstacles around for the newbies to hide behind without being trapped.
Pallets against walls, hay bales, tired, etc.

 

[rosemarythyme]

As long as no actual injuries occur and no one is prevented from eating/drinking, etc., I'd let them sort it out themselves. Obstacles are highly recommended to providing hiding spots, as well as multiple food and water sources, to reduce aggression over resources.

 

[aart]

I have a good size run/coop for them to be in.

They have been relatively close to each other for months now, so they have seen/heard each other.

How big is "good size" in feet by feet?
How close is "relatively"?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.
Do you free range at all?

 

[2 Magnolias Egg]

Okay, so I put my 3 EE in with the 6, year old hens today. After about 2 hours, it really seemed like only one of the older chickens cared. She was being a bully. I separated her and put her into a separate coop by herself. Should I place her back in the big coop? If so, when? How long do I let them figure it? I dont want any harm to come to my EE, they have already had a pretty stressful day.

 

[Mrs. K]

No blood, leave them together. Every time you separate, you start over.

 

[2 Magnolias Egg]

Darn it! So I put them back together and the same bully went after one of my EE. Got a mouth full of feathers, and the EE did have a puncture wound where her beak meets her face. Where the comb starts. It was just a little injury, but I could notice it. So, I put the bully back in isolation. Are you saying thats normal and I should just let her beat up on the one EE? Thanks for your help

 

[rosemarythyme]

Would really love to see photos of your set up, both coop and run, to be able to advise on if the space and clutter is sufficient or if you should add more. Some pecking from the older birds is normal and expected, so it's up to you to make sure the younger ones have sufficient avenues of escape and enough space to put respectful distance between themselves and the older ones, so it doesn't trigger further incidents.

 

[Mrs. K]

One bully - pull that bird, get the new one going with the others, later add the bully back in. If she is truly wicked, keep her out of sight for several days, knocks her down a few pegs.

Do have hideouts, roosts, escape routes, platforms, and multiple feed bowls.

Mrs K

 

[Killyhawker]

One bully - pull that bird, get the new one going with the others, later add the bully back in. If she is truly wicked, keep her out of sight for several days, knocks her down a few pegs.

Do have hideouts, roosts, escape routes, platforms, and multiple feed bowls.

Mrs K

My experiences:
I had begun a mixed hen flock in April (I cannot have roosters in the residential area)... My two oldest are a white Brahma and Barred Plymouth Rock (that makes them a little over 2 1/2 months right now.) I also have one, 2month old Ayam Cemani. Recently (2 weeks ago) I introduced my month old Ameraucana girls to them with supervision (they are 6wks now)... The barred rock is really the only one that chases them around. As was recommended, I also strongly recommend, multiple food dishes and multiple water buckets (or chick waterer‘s), places to hide, and roost areas. I keep an eye on them throughout the day because I have that luxury. So far there are no vicious injuries, just the small pecking order scampering’s around. It seems more of a possessive food or roosting area battle. AND I know you shouldn’t let them sleep in nesting boxes, but I let the little Ameraucana girls to sleep in the nest box. The bigger girls leave them alone when they do...Right now I have a 3wk old silkie and a 3wk old Barbu d’Uccle. Those are very petite birds and I think I will keep them separate until they’re MUCH BIGGER. My young hens would have a hayday chasing them around.