Issues introducing new pullets

[jwsmith1959]

I've had my ups and downs in the 14 months since I purchased my first flock. I spent a year updating my inherited coop, fixing things, preparing for the day I got some "girls". It has been very rewarding, and at times very stressful. I've needed to introduce new girls into the flock, and they have ALWAYS been accepted by my existing hens with no issue until my last two. I had two RIR and two Production Reds since August and unexpectedly lost one of my RIR's. Local supplier had a good number of PR pullets and they have always been in the 17-week range, but this group was about 14-15 weeks. I picked up two and noticed what I figured was normal bullying by my remaining RIR. It has been more than 5 weeks and I still am having issues getting the new girls to coop up in the evening. I trained all the other girls with a small handful of scratch grains as a reward...the new girls almost need to be chased into the coop. I don't give treats until everyone is in.

I have lots of roost space, and the new girls roost away from the others. Had my first egg from one of the new girls this week. I have a big place (8 acres) and a large coop, so when they are in together, they can be apart, but I would rather see a cohesive bunch. I've thought about locking out the new girls a night or two if they don't come in a timely manner to see if that will get them on board. They aren't a threat to the older girls...so am not sure why the animosity. I do worry about nighttime predators which is why I lock them up at night.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Edited: This is them roosting tonight. Two new girls on the left and the older girls on the right. I hope to see them roosting together.

 

[sourland]

I'd continue forcing them into the coop at night because of the problem of predation. One of the problems with integration may be because of their difference in color. They will eventually become a part of the flock.

 

[sandburRanch]

You wouldn't like being forced to spend the night in the county jail with convicts . That's how those young pullets feel . Provide those with a complete differnt coop area and when they're older thay may adapt .

 

[Yardmom]

Even when chicks grow up in the same coop as the older hens they do not become part of the main flock until they are laying. (About age not eggs). Also younger pullets tend to hang back until others roost before going in for the night. Are you waiting until the chickens naturally go in for the night or forcing them in earlier? It sounds like they are getting to the age that they might be more accepted. If your RIR is not harming them no reason for a separate coop.

 

[Mrs. K]

Until the pullets start laying, you will see this division, it is called a sub flock, and as you say a very definite line between them and us, so to speak. Then once they start laying, there will be a shift, and the line will disappear. I think it will happen with in the next month, don't push it, it will happen.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

Also younger pullets tend to hang back until others roost before going in for the night. Are you waiting until the chickens naturally go in for the night or forcing them in earlier?

Ditto Dat!

 

[jwsmith1959]

Thanks to everyone for your responses. Just when you think you have everything figured out, they throw you a curve.

I have been trying to coop them up more on my schedule then theirs. Last night I just waited for them to self coop and then shut them in. I've tried to have a little reward system where they all get a handful of treats for coming to the coop in late afternoon. Of course as the seasons progress, that time changes. I'm an early riser so waiting until 8:30 is a pain for me.

The bullying has gotten better and the one that started laying has gotten a growing comb and waddles. The last one not quite there.

Thanks again.

 

[Chickenheadmate]

I'd continue forcing them into the coop at night because of the problem of predation. One of the problems with integration may be because of their difference in color. They will eventually become a part of the flock.

Can you elaborate on the difference of color?

 

[sourland]

Can you elaborate on the difference of color?

Birds that are noticeably different are frequently picked on more.
edit:
Reread your initial post. By PR do you mean production reds? If so ignore my comments. I thought you meant Partridge Rocks.