New chicks not matriculating

[Alycat23]

I have 2 chickens that I've been trying to matriculate into my existing flock of 8 for over a month and it doesn't really seem to be working too well. I started by keeping them in a pen in the yard so the existing ladies would get used to them but not be able to hurt them. Then I move a dog crate into the coop and they've been sleeping in that. They are let out to roam the yard with the others during the day, but basically keep to themselves. The other ladies will still pick on them if they get too close. Is this normal? Do some chickens just not get readily accepted into the flock?

 

[nuthatched]

I've never seen matriculate used with chickenstock before, I didn't realize that they attended college....
This is normal, it'll die down as they find they're spots in the pecking order .

 

[JedJackson]

It's normal, but keep an eye on it and see that it doesn't go too far. If the newbies are wounded, quarantine them again until they heal. Also be sure they get enough food and water-- the main flock will chase them away until they have satisfied themselves.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Sounds 100% normal. Until they mature enough to be able to force their way into the pecking order they are low on the totem pole. With my pullets that's about when they start to lay. Until then they form a sub-flock and keep their distance. If they invade the personal space of a mature hen they are likely to get pecked. They are typically smart enough to stay away and not get pecked if they have the room.

 

[jreardon1918]

We have 3 pullets 20 weeks. Four hens 3+ years. The pullets were brooded in the run. We allowed look but do not touch. At 4-5 weeks we opened escape doors and allowed the chicks to mingle. At first they needed to be on their toes. By 8 weeks the chicks moved themselves into the roost. But had to wait for the big girls to take their places. Now at 20 weeks old, the pullets are a mini flock as are the hens. They coexist, without real pecking and sleep on the only roost in peace. This is my first experience with adding. There were a few anxious moments, but everything has worked out.

 

[DaisyG2317]

I've never seen matriculate used with chickenstock before, I didn't realize that they attended college....
This is normal, it'll die down as they find they're spots in the pecking order .

HEN-VARD UNIVERSITY
BYU (BAWK YOUNG UNIVERSITY)
PLU (PULLET LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY)
USC (UNIVERSITY OF SOUR CROP)
PULLET-TON UNIVERSITY
UCluck

 

[EggSighted4Life]

The other ladies will still pick on them if they get too close. Is this normal? Do some chickens just not get readily accepted into the flock?

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

I've never before seen the word matriculate and it's the whole reason I clicked on this thread, I'm here to learn as well as support.

A few other posters gave great information already.. Sub flocks are completely normal. Sometimes they eventually become one flock. Other times they just coexist and occupy different spaces at different times.

Definition of matriculate

transitive verb
: to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university

Thank you for sharing your journey with us.. I usually set up extra feeders and such (even a lower roost in my coop) while they're still working it out. I have 3 sub flocks (or total) right now. Roosters impact this dynamic heavily.. No rooster.. equals longer term sub flock cuz he is usually happy to add in another lady while his ladies may not be so welcoming.. or vice versa.. life!

 

[rosemarythyme]

So far it sounds normal - it's normal that the younger birds will be in a sub-flock with one another, and that the older ones will only tolerate them to some degree. As long as no one gets injured to the point of blood being drawn, or prevented from eating, I'd let them be.

 

[Alycat23]

lol on the "matriculate" observations. I was questioning whether to use that word or not when I wrote the post.

thanks for the info everyone. They're holding their own and just chilling together as what I would guess is a sub-flock.

 

[Alycat23]

HEN-VARD UNIVERSITY
BYU (BAWK YOUNG UNIVERSITY)
PLU (PULLET LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY)
USC (UNIVERSITY OF SOUR CROP)
PULLET-TON UNIVERSITY
UCluck

GENUIS!