Introducing new hens to a flock

[Dr Peckenstein]

Hi! I'm not technically new to the community, but this is my first post so I hope I do this right haha! I've raised chickens since I was young but was forced to stop due to health issues in the family, but now I've gotten a chance to start up my flock again and Ive got chicken fever all over again! I took in two chicks, a blue silkie and a a splash frizzled hen to start off with and hand raised them, but am ready to expand my flock again, I added a new Cochin pullet but my two bantams are extremely aggressive towards them. It's been a few months now and I've tried slowly incorporating the new hen and I honestly don't know what to do! My bantam hens are just so mean to it and I hate seeing my hen feeling so left out. They ARENT too agressive but they do peck and run her sometimes if she gets too close even though sometimes I see them sitting together but then my two bantams will just randomly attack her and chase her off. I thought maybe it'd stop as the pecking order was established, but I'm at a loss. I was hoping someone had some tips on introducing new hens into a very intimate flock, because my intention was to hopefully expand my flock further.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

First mistake was adding ONLY 1. It makes it too easy to focus on bullying the newcomer. And gosh are some of my Silkies MEAN.

The other thing is using a look but don't touch set up for a week or two followed by free ranging and eventually adding the new bird to roost after dark so they all wake up together.

Having plenty of space, maybe extra feeders.. and lot's of visual disruptions makes it easier. Anything sitting or laying around seems to help a lot.

Honestly, the smaller the flock the harder it is. Good luck!

 

[Dr Peckenstein]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

First mistake was adding ONLY 1. It makes it too easy to focus on bullying the newcomer. And gosh are some of my Silkies MEAN.

The other thing is using a look but don't touch set up for a week or two followed by free ranging and eventually adding the new bird to roost after dark so they all wake up together.

Having plenty of space, maybe extra feeders.. and lot's of visual disruptions makes it easier. Anything sitting or laying around seems to help a lot.

Honestly, the smaller the flock the harder it is. Good luck!

THANK YOU! This is very helpful!!!