New chicken owner

[Wvsteph23]

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

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi Stephanie and welcome to BYC. Providing you have multiple feeding stations I personally would do nothing but continue to observe. This link may provide some interesting reading - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1164542/topic-of-the-week-adding-new-chickens-to-the-flock/0_30

 

[Wvsteph23]

I only have one feeding station at the moment, but if you think this is a better idea?? The feeding station in at the bottom of the main coop and she has to go in there to get to it. This could be intimidating because once she is in there, it’s kind of like she is trapped and has to go out the same was.

 

[Pork Pie]

I only have one feeding station at the moment, but if you think this is a better idea?? The feeding station in at the bottom of the main coop and she has to go in there to get to it. This could be intimidating because once she is in there, it’s kind of like she is trapped and has to go out the same was.

An additional feeding station would be great and ideally located in an “open space” to allow her to escape the unwanted attentions of others.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello, Stephanie, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
If your setup allows it, I would move the feeder to the run. And as @Pork Pie suggests, add another feeding station, at least temporarily. And, yes, as long as no blood is being drawn, do not interfere with the pecking order.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!!

Great advice above. Best wishes with integration.

Feel free to check out the links below for some interesting reading. Good luck on your adventures!​

 

[adickenscoop]

Here is an infographic on the topic - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/caring-for-newly-adopted-chicken

 

[fldiver97]

Welcome Nice to have you here! Especially during summer make sure you have more than one water source as well!

 

[Sequel]

Hi and welcome! So nice to have you here! Good luck with your chickens!

 

[aart]

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.