Introducing new chickens

[itokuzu]

I have a 4 week old ayam cemani girl and boy. I just brought home 2 eight week old hens (buff orpington, and a brahma mix).

My male ayam wants to pin the new hens down when I put them in the same small enclosure, and will want nothing to do with them out in the yard. Should I let him beat up the new hens? Or what should I do? I can't easily keep them separated, and the coop isn't done yet.

 

[GitaBooks]

Roosters can be very aggressive with hens, to the point of severe injury. It is very stressful on the hens. I would suggest, if possible, keeping them in a small pen, even a dog crate, for a day or so until you can find another place to keep them. A slower introduction may help them get along better.

By the way, I've seen Ayam Cemani pictures, and they are gorgeous! They look a little like game birds, which means they might be more active and aggressive, which could be why you are having issues with them towards your more docile breeds. However, I have to say it again, Ayam Cemani's are awesome looking!

Best of luck!

 

[itokuzu]

Even though my ayam is 4 weeks old? I have a temporary coop set up, but it started raining before I could finish some details (like ensuring my smallest didn't get out of the "run") so they are in two separate boxes for now. He seems to leave them alone if there's enough space, so until pecking order is established, I'll be keeping an eye on all of them. Is there anything I can do to try and get him to not be so aggressive?

 

[GitaBooks]

Sorry, I always skip over the age when reading (I need to re-train by brain out of that).

I'll bet they'll learn to get along well after a little while together. Keep an eye on them, and make sure they have multiple feed, water, and roosting sites.

 

[itokuzu]

Right now they don't have any roosting spots because my temporary coop is a dog cage.. I need to put a second food and water dish out there, but they seem content in sharing occasionally.. Someone I talked to mentioned since he is the only male, he's rooing faster and is practice mounting the two new hens.. (though he leaves his "sister" alone unless she starts the chest beating)

 

[aart]

He's protecting his 'territory' because he was there first.
It's best not to get more birds until you have adequate space and separation set up to integrate slowly.
Leave them separate but within sight until your facility is built.