New chicken owner

[awizkey]

When I get new chickens, I put their coop inside my run so they are in there with the existing ones, letting them get used to each other. When I do let them in the big run, I put multiple feeding/water stations, and lean pieces of plywood on the sides of the run in case they need a place to hide. The first time I introduced new birds, I had 6 hens and a rooster, and introduced 6 new birds. It was horrifying with the bullying. This time, I introduced 8 new birds to the 12 (one passed suddenly) and there is occasional pecking, but no bullying. The more stations you put out reduces the amount of resource guarding, as they cannot possibly be everywhere at once. My newbies go into the coop at night to roost, but don't really go in there during the day just yet.

 

[Wvsteph23]

Here's my blurb on.....
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.

This was very helpful! Thank you!

 

[Ilovechickens119]

Hi! I am new to the chicken world, but so far have had a great experience with my chickens. I recently introduced 2- one year old hens to my 5 month old hens and went well...for the most part. One of the newbies seems to be singled out a little. She isn’t getting pecked, but chased a bit. From reading, I think this is normal? I am working on going down often to give them treats all together and to just offer “support” if you will. Anything else I should be doing? Thanks in advance!

Stephanie

Welcome to BYC!
I had exactly the same problem as your having right now. I had 2 beautiful Pekin Bantams, Tilly and Bella and sadly about 3 or 4 months ago now Bella tragically died.
I knew Tilly wouldn’t want to be alone so I bought two more Bantams, a very cute Silkie named Sooty and another gorgeous Pekin Bantam named Blue. I’d assumed they would all get on fine! But, Tilly kept on pecking Sooty and chasing her.
I posted a Forum on here too about how I was worried that they would never settle down. Thank goodness they did in around 2.5 weeks after I bought the newbies. Now they are all best mates.
I realised that all they were doing was establishing the pecking order which is totally normal and is what yours are doing too. Unless you see blood on the one that’s being chased, just leave them to do what they do. If you do see blood, however, seperate them IMMEDIATELY.
There is no need to worry - they will all settle down in the end!!
I hope my story reassures you.
Enjoy your chickens!!!

 

[Mrs. K]

When you add extra feed bowls, add it in a place where if a bird is eating there, she is out of sight of the other feeder. A small piece of plywood, a pallet, something where she is not trapped, but out of sight.