Introducing hens/babies

[Alaskan]

To update...

I attempted to put the babies in with the maran because she wanted to be near them while free ranging and the babies didn't mind her. The 1st night went well so I went to work, my boyfriend tried to let the maran out to free range but she wanted to stay with the babies. When I got home from work I let everyone out to free range. The babies were absolutely terrified of her and wouldn't leave my feet. After examining them I found several peck markings on my runt and some marks on the other babies. Instantly I decided this was not okay and am now using a extra large dog cage for the look but don't touch method with my 2 grown hens. I am undecided if I should keep her or rehome?

Hummmm

She looks a bit ratty.... have you looked her over carefully for parasites?

Very sad she was mean to the babies.

But it sounds like what you are doing is best.

As to rehoming.... if she can't integrate happily, that might be the best option.

 

[Mrs. K]

I would not rehome her, she is acting like a normal chicken. You were expecting a behavior that is not realistic. The only bird you can trick into taking someone else chicks is a broody hen, and not always will that work.

There is a difference in behavior when free ranging and when confined as you found out. Truthfully, I would keep them all together, but I would give your chicks a safety zone that they manage.

Section off a bit of the run, and put a tote on it's side for a mini shelter. Feed and water the chicks there. Make so that the chicks cannot leave this, or chickens come into it. Leave them in this for several days, 3-6 or what ever. Then lift the fence so that the chicks can fit under the fence easily, but not so high a chicken can get under it. I usually let the hens out of the run, and lock the run, sit down there with a cup of coffee, and when a couple of chicks venture forth from the safety zone, after a bit, I give them a mild chase, toward the safety zone, so they figure that is a safe place to be.

Then I let the hens in. The chicks will start venturing out, a little ways, retreat, a little more, retreat. The older hens will tolerate them, then get exasperated, and issue a warning, and all the chicks will run for saftey. With in a week, they will be out with the flock no issue.

After they no longer need the big safety zone, I still will put a pallet up on blocks, but pretty close to the ground, and feed them under there. Just to make sure they are getting enough.

They will be a sub flock until they begin laying.

 

[Meggyp]

Mrs. K my only issue is that my australorp is not accepting her. She keeps ripping out her feathers. I separated them with her in a dog pen but she kept spilling her food and water. We built out coop as inexperienced owners and it's difficult to get into the run because we have it on lock down due to a massive amount of raccoons in this area. So getting in is a lot of work.

 

[Mrs. K]

I am confused, are we talking the BA not accepting the Maran, or are we talking the Maran accepting the chicks?

The coop will not improve, and once you fix it, you will wonder why you waited so long to fix it so that you can easily manage it.

Coons are the bane of my existence so I do understand that.

 

[Mrs. K]

Ok - I re-read now. Truthfully I would rehome the maran, some birds are just a victim. I know that sounds heartless, but don't EVER take in a bird you feel sorry for, it just never seems to work. That is the bird I would rehome.

Mrs K

 

[Meggyp]

Thank you! I rehomed her earlier today and feel good about my decision. My babies are sweet and I don't want them to be scared of anything.