New Chickens

[JohnnyBGood]

I just introduced 2 new chickens to my flock they are the same age but the flock peck at them and make them go to the roost all day. But they all sleep together at night although I have another roost on the other side of the coop. I put the new ones down to eat and kept the flock away so they could eat. Will they eventually get along or do I need to remove them? I don't want them to have to sit on the roost all day and night.
Thanks,
Johnny

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It will take some time before they are fully accepted. Sounds like it's actually going quite well. Keep at it until your help is no longer necessary.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

Yup... I agree. They will eventually get out of there little clique, and accept the flock! Just make sure that the chickens are getting plenty of food and water!
Good luck!

 

[aart]

I just introduced 2 new chickens to my flock they are the same age but the flock peck at them and make them go to the roost all day. But they all sleep together at night although I have another roost on the other side of the coop. I put the new ones down to eat and kept the flock away so they could eat. Will they eventually get along or do I need to remove them? I don't want them to have to sit on the roost all day and night.
Thanks,
Johnny

Welcome to BYC!
How many birds all together...and how old are they?
Do they have lots of space?

Sounds like you've made a good start....but some of these tips might help....
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.

 

[Flockandfowl46]

Welcome to BYC! Hope you enjoy your time here!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome!

 

[JohnnyBGood]

Welcome to BYC!
How many birds all together...and how old are they?
Do they have lots of space?

Sounds like you've made a good start....but some of these tips might help....
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.

k

 

[JohnnyBGood]

Thank you for the information.