New chickens will not join rest of group

[rothfarm2000]

I have 5 hens about a year and half old. Two Australorp, 1 EE, 1 speckled sussex and a mottled java.

I have 2 blue langshans, a boy and a girl, about 14 weeks. I put them out with the other girls about a month ago. Kept them separated, but able to see each other. They are in the same pen, but have their own house and small yard area.

I tried an introduction a couple weeks ago and they young ones got picked on right away of course, which I knew would happen. They ran back into their house and now even though I leave the door open and the other hens can go in there or the young ones can come out, they wont.

Should I just keep doing what I'm doing and let them eventually venture out on their own? They are getting a bit big to keep themselves so confined. Or should I try putting them in the other girls bed after dark and see if that helps when they wake up?

The langshans are plenty big to be with the other ones, they are already good size chickens.

Any suggestions is appreciated.

Thanks,
Colette

 

[PD-Riverman]

I have 5 hens about a year and half old. Two Australorp, 1 EE, 1 speckled sussex and a mottled java.

I have 2 blue langshans, a boy and a girl, about 14 weeks. I put them out with the other girls about a month ago. Kept them separated, but able to see each other. They are in the same pen, but have their own house and small yard area.

I tried an introduction a couple weeks ago and they young ones got picked on right away of course, which I knew would happen. They ran back into their house and now even though I leave the door open and the other hens can go in there or the young ones can come out, they wont.

Should I just keep doing what I'm doing and let them eventually venture out on their own? They are getting a bit big to keep themselves so confined. Or should I try putting them in the other girls bed after dark and see if that helps when they wake up?

The langshans are plenty big to be with the other ones, they are already good size chickens.
Any suggestions is appreciated.

Thanks,
Colette

Opinions, Opinions you will get. They are Kids----they are scared----they are being picked on, putting them in the coop with the others will just cause them to be picked on worse----even Hurt. You tried to introduce them----it did not work-----some hens/chickens just do not like Newbies. Some say its natural------No Its Not----take the fence down and let them realize it---then you will see natural----they will go far enough away that they are not being picked on and probably not return.

My opinion is put them in a pen by themselves---being the introduction did not work. Allow them to grow to full Adults----then try re-introducing---at least they will be big enough that they can some what protect themselves. I wish you Luck. I personally Never mix ages, but my set-up is different than yours I am sure. Don't let them hurt the young ones to bad. Good Luck Again!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Size is not important in your situation, maturity level is. Grown hens always outrank immature pullets regardless of size until the pullets mature enough to force their way into the pecking order. My pullets normally do that about the time they start laying.


I know you read about size on her all the time. I’m sorry but that is not what is important. It’s fairly common for mature bantam hens to dominate mature full-sized hens. It’s the spirit in the chicken in general and maturity in your situation.


You can expect the new pullets to avoid the older hens until they start to lay. Then they will probably merge into one flock. That’s pretty normal. Do not force them to be together, that can instigate conflict and put the pullets in danger. Just let them work it out at their pace.