Need advice....

[EBertram]

I have a larger coop that currently has 5 chickens in it (a bantam Cochin pair (Boaz and Ruth) ameracauna(Gracie) , buff orp (butterscotch) and Barred rock (Rose) I also have a chicken tractor with a Cochin/silkie mix roo (Abe) And a frizzled silkie hen (Taco) . We had to cut way back this winter because of hawks. An now looks like we may be moving back into town. So I am going to have to get rid of the silkie mix roo (and possibly my buff orp or barred rock) My question, is there any way to integrate the others into the chicken tractor with my silkie hen? I have not had any behavior problems to speak of, but she is very small, we love her and I would hate to see her get picked on. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[ldrchickens]

I have a larger coop that currently has 5 chickens in it (a bantam Cochin pair (Boaz and Ruth) ameracauna(Gracie) , buff orp (butterscotch) and Barred rock (Rose) I also have a chicken tractor with a Cochin/silkie mix roo (Abe) And a frizzled silkie hen (Taco) . We had to cut way back this winter because of hawks. An now looks like we may be moving back into town. So I am going to have to get rid of the silkie mix roo (and possibly my buff orp or barred rock) My question, is there any way to integrate the others into the chicken tractor with my silkie hen? I have not had any behavior problems to speak of, but she is very small, we love her and I would hate to see her get picked on. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Place their pens as close together as possible without them being able to actually touch. The see but no touch method its called here. After a week or two, or however long you feel comfortable (many people have different amounts of time they recommend) then under your watchful eye let them together. There will more then likely be a little bickering but you have to let them bicker it out to establish their pecking order. The more room and hiding spaces available the better. When I got new chickens to introduce to my existing flock I had the coop separated by wire and they were in there for 2 or three weeks then I opened the gates. Only one hen from each side bickered and it lasted 5 minutes tops. Never saw aggression again. Now they are all happily together!

 

[pennyJo1960]

LDR has given solid advice good luck