New ckns to flock being tormented by exsisting ckns.

[oklacntrygrl169]

My husband and I bought four new hens to add to our exsisting flock of six hens and two male ducks yesterday. The hens we already have are picking on the new ones so bad. Wont let them eat or drink, chasing them, picking feathers, even actually fighting. The ducks dont mind the new hens fortunately. We are going to put the new hens in their own pen/coop this evening to give them re'coop' time. Any suggestions on how to get them all to get along?

 

[NatalieB]

Not too much you can do about it. They need to establish a pecking order. I would add them in at night so they all wake up together in the am---wait, watch and about 3 days later the dust will settle. Crazy chickens.

 

[BioBob]

I keep the new birds in a separate run for about a month in close proximity to the "old" hens, such that they can see each other.

After the separation period, and they are somewhat familiar with each other, then they will establish the pecking order.

 

[chickletranch]

agree with bob. always best to put new birds within eyesight of the old ones, but safely separated, for about a week. it makes the introduction alittle less traumatic for both.

good luck,
lynn

 

[ranchhand]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=12751

 

[BLaBauve]

I agree with everyone else. Keep them in a run next to your established flock, as close as possible. I usually keep them next to each other for at least a month. Eventually I will move them in and put extra food/water out. From there it takes about 2-4 weeks of pecking order. Good Luck!

Beth

 

[Dora'smom]

Part of the issue is also to keep the new birds separate from the established flock for quarantine of disease purposes. After a month has passed, you can be fairly sure that the new flock isn't sick, and can be safely combined with the old.
The idea of having the two flocks where they can see each other, but are not able to hurt each other is how I have done it. Allow them to get used to each other, after a week or so, you can put them in the coop, on the roost together at night. When they wake up next to each other in the morning, it shouldn't be a problem, but you still should keep an eye on things for a few days. Chickens have no problem pecking each other to pieces, and once blood is drawn, they peck even more. They really are little dinosaurs with wings. I've told my husband more than once, that I wouldn't want to fall down, and lie on the ground in the run for very long. . .