Introducing New Chicken....

[JanetLR]

I am a new chicken owner. My husband found our "Sally" on the freeway two weeks ago on his way home from work. She was dirty, battered and terrified. We decided to keep her, and she has looked better everyday. She is looking really good now!

We were told by everyone that she shouldn't live alone, so today we drove to Meyer Hatchery in Polk, Ohio and picked up a Golden Buff Pullet, "Scarlett". We introduced them in our garage, hoping a "neutral area" might help. Well, Sally is not very welcoming of her new friend. She has repeatedly picked Scarlett's head all day, kept her from the feed and water, and every time I walk away and come back there are more strewn feathers everywhere.

I was expecting a bit of trouble, I don't know if this is the normal way introductions go. Should I just leave them be to work it out on their own? Should I separate them for now, so they can see each other but not get to each other?

I want to do the right thing so they can get along

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I'd slather her with Rooster Booster pick no more lotion (the one being picked), which may or may not work (it tastes bad AND stains so you might not want to go that route). If that didn't work, I'd indeed separate them for a week or so. However-

One thing I'd try is to sit out there with them. When the original hen pecks the new one, I'd grab her and press her to the ground with my hands, holding her on the ground (without hurting her). Hold her there for about 5 seconds, then release her. Don't say anything. This is most humiliating to her.

This is very much you telling her, "I am the top hen, and you will NOT beat on that hen." Roosters DO keep order in a flock and so this is found in their social order. The top hen will also beat up a hen who is beating up another hen to stop the fight.

I have used this technique with hens who tried to attack me and taught them that I am the top hen. If you teach your old hen that you will not tolerate her beating up the new hen, there is a LONG SHOT that it might work. I am guessing here!

 

[JanetLR]

I ended up separating them last night. My husband hastily build a makeshift enclosure with a divider between. Today, same thing. When they are let out together, Sally runs at Scarlett, pecking at her head repeatedly. Scarlett hunkers down and just takes it, doesn't even try to defend herself. Interestingly enough, when they are kept apart, Scarlett seems to want to be near Sally, even though Sally goes after her. I am wondering if I should just let them try to work it out, as long as Scarlett isn'ting be seriously hurt.

Its just so hard to watch! lol...