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dunc008

dunc008

Hatching
6 Years
Joined
May 2, 2013
Messages
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Location
Evansville, Indiana
I've had my chickens for a couple years now, and I love them so much that I decided to get 6 more babies. I have started introducing them to the old flock, and my nerves are rattled! The "mother hen" from the old flock is not happy-she blocks the babies from coming out to free range, and she corners them whenever she can. I know this is a natural "pecking order" process, but I could use some encouragement. I have followed all of the integrating advice, and I am wondering how long this rivalry will continue! Thanks to all for your help!
 
You need to put the new guys in a large crate in the run with their own feeder and water. This way the old hen can look all she wants without hurting them and cannot keep them away from water & feed. After a couple of weeks or so, she should be used to their presence, and not as crabby.

How old are your new chicks? You should wait till they are close in size to Mama Hen. When you think it is safe, let the young ones free range with the flock under your supervision. There may be some squabbles but, if no one draws blood, see it out.
 
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Glad you joined us!

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Good luck with your flock!
 
Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! X2, how old are your new chicks and how long have you had them socializing with each other before trying to integrate them? Have you tried putting up the older hen for a few days to see if that helps?
 
I at first separated them from the older with a crate. The chicks are now about the same size, and I let them free range with the old hens. The issue has gotten better-now it is a stand-off between the old mother hen and the new one. I am still hesitant to let them all together in the coop at night, although I have rigged the crate door so that the babies can fit in and out, but the older ones cannot. Thanks for your advice!
 

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