Merging two new birds with my original three.

[SHeld]

Two days ago I brought in two newbys to increase my flock. That makes 5. However the older ladies are not happy with the younger girls. The young ones are not laying yet and are trying to stay away from the older ones. One of my older ones seems aggressive which I have never seen before. What can I do to end this fussing and fighting?

 

[hysop]

Did you put them in a “cage” where the older ones could see the younger ones for a while but not reach them? Sometimes it takes longer to get along and used to the new ones.

 

[SHeld]

Did you put them in a “cage” where the older ones could see the younger ones for a while but not reach them? Sometimes it takes longer to get along and used to the new ones.

I didn’t know about that. Now that they are together, is there anything I can do?

 

[hysop]

I didn’t know about that. Now that they are together, is there anything I can do?

I would separate them or if your run is large enough set the cage in the run and let them see each other for a week. Once they get to know each other you can let them mingle and supervise and see how well they do.

 

[hysop]

Throwing chickens who have never seen each other together is just going to cause pecking and fighting.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Bad idea to toss birds together for multiple reasons - chickens are territorial and will fight unfamiliar birds. You also didn't mention quarantine so any diseases or parasites the new birds have, now all the birds have it.

Integration takes space and time. Have the new birds in a separate enclosure or fenced off area where the old ones can see but not touch them. Depending on how they react, after a week or two you can start letting them mingle with supervision, ideally with AMPLE room and clutter so birds can hide or put distance between them if chased. Once they're mostly ok interacting that way, they should be fine without the separate enclosure.

 

[aart]

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/