New Chickens not assimilating

May 3, 2020
9
13
54
Minnetonka, MN
We have 4 chickens, 2 Sapphire Gems and 2 Cochins. We got a larger coop, so of course get more chickens, right? Ugh! Turns out we have bullies in our four.....several of them. So we isolated, in the pen, the one that seemed to be doing most of the bullying. Even when she was in chicken jail, the new ones would not leave the coop except for 1 min to get water. We let the bully out and guess what? She’s still a bully! What do we do? Pass the new ones on to a friend? I just want them to all get along!!
 
Here are two articles I've written addressing the topic of bullying and integrating new chickens into a flock. Chicken psychology is a real thing. Chickens behave according to their individual temperaments, and this can be remedied when deficient or manipulated to keep peace in the flock. Understanding your chickens and how they are motivated in their behavior helps you to keep a harmonious flock.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/
 
Some details of your flock and set up would help - photos would be fantastic. How big is the coop? The run? How many new birds are you adding? How old are the new birds and how long have you had them? How long have the birds been able to see each other WITHOUT physical interaction?
 
Here are two articles I've written addressing the topic of bullying and integrating new chickens into a flock. Chicken psychology is a real thing. Chickens behave according to their individual temperaments, and this can be remedied when deficient or manipulated to keep peace in the flock. Understanding your chickens and how they are motivated in their behavior helps you to keep a harmonious flock.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/
Thank you so much!! I am definitely going to try to get “Rona’s” confidence up!!
 

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