Introducing slightly younger hens to my flock

[ChickMamainSB]

Well, with great sadness, I had to swap out my 2 cockrels for 2 pullets. The hatchery guarantees hens. My other 6 are 18 weeks and the 2 they gave me are probably about 15-16 weeks. They told me to keep them separated for a couple of days. I tried to introduce them but they were so aggressive and ganging up on the younger ones that I separated them again. I understand they need to develop their pecking order but these little ones were twice blocked into a corner. Any advice? Do I just let them figure it out or should I be waiting longer to introduce them? They are in the same run during the day with a wire separation. At night they are in a crate in the coop. Thanks!

 

[NatJ]

They are in the same run during the day with a wire separation. At night they are in a crate in the coop.

That's a good start--they can get used to each other in safety.

You are right that they need to work out the pecking order, and you are also right that you want to limit how much they get bullied and picked on. Dividing the run is an excellent first step.

You can try letting them out again in a few days, and maybe provide some kind of distraction at the same time (pile of fresh bedding, clump of sod, watermelon rinds to peck, something like that.) Then watch how it goes. You may have to re-separate them and wait a bit longer, or you may be able to leave them together for a little while each day, and gradually increase the time they spend together. As time goes on, there should be less bullying and eventually they should be accepted. How long does it take? Anywhere from minutes to months depending on the individual chickens and various other factors.

It commonly helps to have multiple sources of food and of water, so the new ones can get enough to eat and drink even if they need to stay away from the older ones.

Having places to get out of sight helps too--even just cardboard boxes or straw bales can help. Make sure you don't create a corner where they can be trapped, though. So a straw bale in the middle of the run is better than one against the side, and a box cut to make a tunnel is better than a box with only one entrance.

 

[ChickMamainSB]

That's a good start--they can get used to each other in safety.

You are right that they need to work out the pecking order, and you are also right that you want to limit how much they get bullied and picked on. Dividing the run is an excellent first step.

You can try letting them out again in a few days, and maybe provide some kind of distraction at the same time (pile of fresh bedding, clump of sod, watermelon rinds to peck, something like that.) Then watch how it goes. You may have to re-separate them and wait a bit longer, or you may be able to leave them together for a little while each day, and gradually increase the time they spend together. As time goes on, there should be less bullying and eventually they should be accepted. How long does it take? Anywhere from minutes to months depending on the individual chickens and various other factors.

It commonly helps to have multiple sources of food and of water, so the new ones can get enough to eat and drink even if they need to stay away from the older ones.

Having places to get out of sight helps too--even just cardboard boxes or straw bales can help. Make sure you don't create a corner where they can be trapped, though. So a straw bale in the middle of the run is better than one against the side, and a box cut to make a tunnel is better than a box with only one entrance.

Thank you so much! This information is very helpful. It's good to know I am correct not to let them just beat each other up. The breeds are all pretty mellow so I hope it won't take too long. I appreciate your advise!

 

[NatJ]

The size of the pen makes a big difference, too.

If you have 1/4 acre of chicken run, with plenty of bushes and trees--then you can turn them in together, put out several feeders and waterers, and let them settle it in their own time. That would be large enough for the younger ones to just hang out separately, away from the big ones, and gradually get closer over time until they eventually form one flock.

But that's not what most people have In a smaller space, when the big ones tell the little ones to "go away," there may not be enough space to go. So we have to use workarounds, like your divided run, to help them through the adjustment period.

 

[ChickMamainSB]

The size of the pen makes a big difference, too.

If you have 1/4 acre of chicken run, with plenty of bushes and trees--then you can turn them in together, put out several feeders and waterers, and let them settle it in their own time. That would be large enough for the younger ones to just hang out separately, away from the big ones, and gradually get closer over time until they eventually form one flock.

But that's not what most people have In a smaller space, when the big ones tell the little ones to "go away," there may not be enough space to go. So we have to use workarounds, like your divided run, to help them through the adjustment period.

Yeah, not quite that much space, I wish. The run is good size bit definately need the partition. Thanks again for your help. I appreciate it!

 

[aart]

The hatchery guarantees hens.

100% or 90%?
Did you get your money back?

Here's some tips about......
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[ChickMamainSB]

Thank you! I like the idea of the hiding place. I will set one up. I had 4 of them out free ranging so there were 2 older ones and the 2 new ones in together in the run. They actually did pretty well together. When the other 4 came back in I watched them for a little while until I could see the younger ones were running.back to the corner. I will try again tomorrow. They did alot better today than previous days so I am very hopeful. Thank you. I appreciate the input.

 

[ChickMamainSB]

Oops, forgot to answer you question. The hatchery guarantees, meaning if you get a cockrel, or 2 in my case, they will swap them for pullets of similar breeds and age if available. I got 1 of the same breed and the other of a breed I currently have, but unfortunately younger than I was hoping for.

 

[aart]

Oops, forgot to answer you question. The hatchery guarantees, meaning if you get a cockrel, or 2 in my case, they will swap them for pullets of similar breeds and age if available. I got 1 of the same breed and the other of a breed I currently have, but unfortunately younger than I was hoping for.

that's cool.
Did they ship them or....?

Oh, and... Welcome to BYC! @ChickMamainSB
Hmmmm......SB...wild guess San Bernardino?
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[ChickMamainSB]

Santa Barbara. We had a crazy heat wave last week. It was over 100 degrees in my backyard. All were panting and trying to cool down in the coop which was just as hot. I put a block of ice covered with treats and frozen peas in the run. I also turned on a mister and a fan and hung moist towels providing more shade. I was in a panic but it worked!