Introducing chickens to each other

[Patch&Phoebe]

Any advice on chicken intro's? We started w/ 3 BO's, had to bring one back sadly b/c she turned out to be a he, and came home w/ another BO and an Araucana. All from the same original McMurray shipment so same age (@ 5/5 hatch date), but clearly split into 2 v. 2 right now in the run. Anyway to help these ladies learn to get along? Do they just sort it out themselves? The new BO is really pecking a lot - us and the other ladies, who are keeping thier distance.

Thanks & Happy 4th!!

 

[wren]

They should be okay. You could divide the pen with chicken wire so they can see eachother but not get together. Throwing a treat on the ground goes a long way for a distraction. The new BO is going for the ruler of the roost position. Don't let her bully you, she will just escalate the situation until you can't stand her. Hold her upside down until she submits-shouldn't take more than a minute. Release her and repeat if she hurts you again.

 

[Patch&Phoebe]

Thanks - they've been given LOTS of treats today, still not going great. The tables have turned a bit though, and my original BO's are bossing the new BO and Ar, but mainly the poor little Araucana, who is so adorable, I hate that she's being bullied - at the same age she's also very petite in comparison and by no means can defend herself. Atleast all are being fabulous w/ us humans now, no one's been pecked at in hours and hours. They'll all definitely be sleeping apart tonight though.