In addition to our main flock, we have two "feral" chickens we obtained from a friend. We have had these two for probably close to a year. Other than a night or two one of them spent in the coop (the other escaped and ran away into the woods for a day), they have refused to join the flock in the coop and have been roosting in a garden shed. They will forage around the main flock, but they stay separate. They are definitely at the bottom of the pecking order when they join in for feed and kitchen scraps.
About a week ago, the rooster that hung out with them (but separately roosted in a tree--the older rooster scared him out of the roost, it seems-- and also got along better with the flock) was nabbed by something around day break. Due to that incident, I took the opportunity I was granted tonight to lock the two hens in with the rest of the flock. They are not happy. The rooster seems to aggressively pursue them, the hens of course peck them. I won't be surprised if they stay in the coop tomorrow and avoid the run. How long should I give for the pecking order to work itself out? I almost wonder if I should have let them maintain their very free lifestyle, but I also don't want them eaten
About a week ago, the rooster that hung out with them (but separately roosted in a tree--the older rooster scared him out of the roost, it seems-- and also got along better with the flock) was nabbed by something around day break. Due to that incident, I took the opportunity I was granted tonight to lock the two hens in with the rest of the flock. They are not happy. The rooster seems to aggressively pursue them, the hens of course peck them. I won't be surprised if they stay in the coop tomorrow and avoid the run. How long should I give for the pecking order to work itself out? I almost wonder if I should have let them maintain their very free lifestyle, but I also don't want them eaten