New flock members

[JesseR89]

I’m sure this has been covered in some way on here, but I haven’t been able to find an exact scenario I am in and could use some tips from more experienced chicken folk. I purchased my first chickens from TSC without doing much research. I got 3 ISA Browns and 3 White Leghorns. I kept them in the brooder for 7 weeks until I moved them out to a coop I constructed myself. I kept them inside for about 4 days until introducing them to the run. Then after about 4 more days, I opened the run and let them free range for a few hours until enticing them back with some mealworms. Now, to the issue. My wife and I decided that we wanted to add to the flock. I researched the breeds and although my wife wanted silkies, we were unable to find them being sold in the pullet form closer to our flocks age(9weeks). We decided to purchase a few barred rock and ameraucana pullets believed to be aged about 6-7 weeks. I didn’t do much research on introductions and just went with what the seller suggested and that was to just toss them with the rest and let them work it out. With a slight size difference, the OG’s are pecking and very territorial. This behavior has been occurring for 3 days now. I know this is normal and I have not noticed any bleeding or injuries, but the newbies have been very skittish and sticking together in a corner. They will not follow the rest of the flock while free ranging and just stand at the bottom of the coop ramp at night. I decided I would just keep them all in the coop for a few days without letting them out to try to show the new girls that this is their home and when I went out this evening after they had been locked away all day, they were roosting on the bar instead of huddled in a corner so there is some progress. The question I have is are there any suggestions or tips anyone could give me to make this introduction a little less violent for the new members other then separating? Thanks!

 

[sloanbychoice]

Well, it sounds like maybe you’ve learned since then that the best way to introduce is by having them next to each other separated by fencing first for quite a while.
I strongly suggest a full quarantine first in the future to make sure your new chickens are not bringing in any illness.

Since we’re past that here, I believe as long as there isn’t bloodshed, or what looks like will lead there, you’ll just have to let them work it out.

I would definitely make sure there are plenty of obstacles around that would provide hiding spots for the ones being chased.
Pallets leaned on walls, hay bales, chairs, etc. Anything to let them get out of the line of sight that doesn’t trap them.

 

[JesseR89]

Well, it sounds like maybe you’ve learned since then that the best way to introduce is by having them next to each other separated by fencing first for quite a while.
I strongly suggest a full quarantine first in the future to make sure your new chickens are not bringing in any illness.

Since we’re past that here, I believe as long as there isn’t bloodshed, or what looks like will lead there, you’ll just have to let them work it out.

I would definitely make sure there are plenty of obstacles around that would provide hiding spots for the ones being chased.
Pallets leaned on walls, hay bales, chairs, etc. Anything to let them get out of the line of sight that doesn’t trap them.

Well, it sounds like maybe you’ve learned since then that the best way to introduce is by having them next to each other separated by fencing first for quite a while.
I strongly suggest a full quarantine first in the future to make sure your new chickens are not bringing in any illness.

Since we’re past that here, I believe as long as there isn’t bloodshed, or what looks like will lead there, you’ll just have to let them work it out.

I would definitely make sure there are plenty of obstacles around that would provide hiding spots for the ones being chased.
Pallets leaned on walls, hay bales, chairs, etc. Anything to let them get out of the line of sight that doesn’t trap them.

Great idea with the pallet. It’s unfortunate we didn’t do the research about the difficulty during introduction because we bought the new members with the idea of them being more docile and pet friendly. So far they are petrified of us and the other birds aren’t helping that. Thank you for the response

 

[sloanbychoice]

@JesseR89

Please don’t mistake my comment as knowledgeable. I once didn’t do the research also. Only in my case, my ignorance cost me two birds. I had no idea adding young pullets to an established flock of hens would result in bloodshed. And I had no idea that was normal behavior for them.
After researching here, and having the benefit of some great people here to help me, my introductions since have been flawless.
I love this group! I have learned so much from the wise ones here.

 

[JesseR89]

@sloanbychoice well at this point I will take any advice I can get. This is all brand new to me so thank you. And I can really see the welcoming atmosphere of this forum and it seems like no questions are dumb questions.

 

[aart]

Some of these things can help whether you just toss them in or follow the separation part first..

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.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[JesseR89]

@aart those are some great tips, thank you!