Mistake Adding Two Chickens, Now What

[BeccaSmith]

Quote:
We blocked it off because we needed to block off the nesting boxes at night....and even if we left it ublocked, the still got chased up there too.

And as previously stated, yes lesson learned...we should have done what we did...but we just want to know if it is best we keep them or get rid of them since we can't isolate them from the others!

 

[BeccaSmith]

Quote:
Well the mess was one issue, but in order for us to keep them from sleeping in the nesting boxes at night we had to modify it and that is just part of the modification that enabled us to block them off with a hinge style door so we could open the nesting boxes in the mornings for the day.

 

[BeccaSmith]

Quote:
I only isolate for a month to make sure I don't transmit any diseases from one flock to the other.

Better safe than sorry

I have only added to my flock from the same breeder. No issues at all. This is not always the case. It's gambling really.

If you raise them from chicks, no need to isolate.

Great to know! From now on, this is the only way we will add to our current flock!

 

[BeccaSmith]

I would like to mention again that I said lesson learned on not isolating them and that isolating them is not an option with our set up. All I am asking advice for is if we should keep them and find them a new home...seems to be the consensus is to keep them from what I can tell. I'm not asking for on whether I was right or wrong not to isolate.

 

[aoxa]

Quote:

Yeah, I am not judging you at all for this. If I wasn't on BYC before, I would never have known. Breeders don't tell you

I say give them time to work things out. I have a girl right now that is not even allowed to sleep in the coop (the others won't let her!) so she sleeps in my garage. She's so sweet <3

Eventually they will all work things out. How long have they been together exactly? Is it only at night that they fight?

ETA: Oh. 2 weeks.

Well give it at least a month. If blood is drawn, you will need to intervene. Blood can create a frenzy. They can become cannibals at this point.

 

[BeccaSmith]

Quote:

Yeah, I am not judging you at all for this. If I wasn't on BYC before, I would never have known. Breeders don't tell you

I say give them time to work things out. I have a girl right now that is not even allowed to sleep in the coop (the others won't let her!) so she sleeps in my garage. She's so sweet <3

Eventually they will all work things out. How long have they been together exactly? Is it only at night that they fight?

ETA: Oh. 2 weeks.

Well give it at least a month. If blood is drawn, you will need to intervene. Blood can create a frenzy. They can become cannibals at this point.

They get picked on during the day too if they venture outside...everyone free ranges so sometimes the girls are off doing their thing and they can get outside without being picked on for a bit. Otherwise, they hide inside on the roosts during the day if the other girls are near by. Thank you for the help, advice, and reassurance!

 

[trailchick]

You did want to add to your flock, didnt you? Of course if you got them because you wanted them then dont let go now... I bet the hardest part & worst of the bickering is over! But, the new ones will always be the ones that will hang out forever, like bff's. Anytime, I have gotten added to the flock whether with new chicks or adoptions, the ones that were together stayed great friends & didnt care much for the others. Such is pecking order, and kinda reminds me of jr high school!

Hang in there, will be better soon. Especially with free rangers, but the smaller the pen area without some time out to wander around, the bickering will continue some.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I think you are doing fine. Keep blocking off the boxes at night, and manually place them on the roost at night (even if they're trying to sleep on the floor, put them up there). They need to establish their own place in the flock, which will cause the existing pecking order to change as well. They'll work it out. I say if everyone is about the same size, keep an eye on them and leave them to it. And I do agree, its alot easier to add to your flock with chicks. Good luck!

 

[Angeljim95]

Thank goodness you created this post because I am just now having the same issue with my addition of silkies to the whole flock but I believe they will be fine after reading this!

Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I would keep them and try to work it out.
Free ranging is the best way to give birds space and become acquainted.
Put barriers in the coop/pen for them to escape behind.
Watch for blood.