New chickens

[tmosscurrier]

I added two young chickens to my flock and the other chickens are picking on them. The new ones are about five months old. I left them in a cage (with food and water) during the day so the other chickens could see/meet them. The next day I released the new ones into the run. I free range during the day. It took about a week before the new ones would leave the coop. They do now, but stay away from the other chickens. When I get them in the coop at night, they hide under another box in the run because they are getting picked on. I’m worried they won’t start laying because of stress as well as their well being. Any suggestions? Thank you

Theresa

 

[Boppo]

Glad to meet you, Theresa. Sounds like you are doing things right, but need more time. Here is an article about integrating chickens to a flock. Best wishes!

 

[Aunt Angus]

I added two young chickens to my flock and the other chickens are picking on them. The new ones are about five months old. I left them in a cage (with food and water) during the day so the other chickens could see/meet them. The next day I released the new ones into the run. I free range during the day. It took about a week before the new ones would leave the coop. They do now, but stay away from the other chickens. When I get them in the coop at night, they hide under another box in the run because they are getting picked on. I’m worried they won’t start laying because of stress as well as their well being. Any suggestions? Thank you

Theresa

I'd separate them with the "see but don't touch" method again, but keep them separate for longer - at least 2 weeks. Then try letting them all out again.

 

[Blue Raptor]

I added two young chickens to my flock and the other chickens are picking on them. The new ones are about five months old. I left them in a cage (with food and water) during the day so the other chickens could see/meet them. The next day I released the new ones into the run. I free range during the day. It took about a week before the new ones would leave the coop. They do now, but stay away from the other chickens. When I get them in the coop at night, they hide under another box in the run because they are getting picked on. I’m worried they won’t start laying because of stress as well as their well being. Any suggestions? Thank you

Theresa

Welcome back into BYC!! It might just take time.

 

[janiedoe]

Hi Theresa, welcome to BYC.
It is recommended to do the see don't touch for at least a week, so you may need to put them back in the cage. Also, make sure there are places for them to hide in the coop and in the run. A devider in the coop could work. A pallet or a board leaned inside the run helps. Be sure to have additional feeders and waterers too.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Hi Theresa, welcome to BYC.
It is recommended to do the see don't touch for at least a week, so you may need to put them back in the cage. Also, make sure there are places for them to hide in the coop and in the run. A devider in the coop could work. A pallet or a board leaned inside the run helps. Be sure to have additional feeders and waterers too.

Oooh, yes! Good call about the feeders & waterers. Great advice!

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome! The other's above me have all given you good advice about that. Good luck with getting thing's to settle down soon so that you can get more egg's.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Welcome to the coop! I use the Forums and Articles tabs at the top of the page to do research. You can get lost for hours. It's nice to know you are minutes away from getting help with questions and emergencies!

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. At this point I would leave things as is. They will gradually integrate into the flock. Provide extra feed and water stations and they will be fine.

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome back to BYC!