I received two new hens. They have been seperated from the rest of the flock until yesterday. I allowed all of them to free range together. There were a few fights, but nothing bloody. Last night I slipped them into the coop to roost with everyone. It appears there were no problems. This morning they were still in the coop, while the rest were out in the run. I moved them to the run for scratch feed time, and all hell broke lose. Each hen took its turn beating the new ones, even the low pecking order hens. I moved the two back to their own coop that came with them. I plan on getting rid of a couple New Hampshires, which seem to be the biggest bullys in the flock in a few weeks. The two new ones are Golden Comets.
Should I give it a few more days of free ranging? Or wait until I move the two hens out. I know the pecking order takes some time, but 7 on 2 just dont seem fair.
Should I give it a few more days of free ranging? Or wait until I move the two hens out. I know the pecking order takes some time, but 7 on 2 just dont seem fair.