introducing new hens into a flock

[qumumd]

i have a mixed flock of 6 hens and a rooster . brought home 5 barred rocks and the rooster and a couple of the hens really fought them...............especially the rooster. I have them separated by wire in the house now but will they finally start to live together peaceably? or maybe I should remove the rooster to make them get along better?

Donna

 

[dianehodges]

You probably have 1 rooster to many and the hens have to reestablish the pecking order It can be brutal but what has worked best for me is to put them in the same pen but separated After a few days take the barrier down but do it at night They will squabble for a few days and then settle down Also size matters so they should be at least 4 months old

 

[qumumd]

they are all 1 to 2 years old. we do have them separated now by wire. thanks for advice of removing the wire at nite after a few days.................and it is goodbye rooster.