New Tactic to Integrate Chickens

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

i'm trying something a little new with flock integration. In the past i've tried putting them together at night, hoping they wake up friends. That hasn't seemed to work for me. So i have three young groups - Group 1 has 4 pullets and a fairly nice little roo, Group 2 has 2 showgirls, Group 3 is one lonely pullet who lost her sister. i've been letting everyone free range together last couple of nights. Today put them all together in their new pen, sans one pullet and the roo. Reason being, that one pullet is pretty bossy and pecky, and the roo hasn't bothered his girls, but seems to go after new girls. The roo and bossy pullet aren't happy about being kept separate. But i figure i will keep them apart for a couple days then when i put those two in, they will be the new ones and on the defensive. So far, that new little group seems to be doing okay. There is some pecking, but it isn't overwhelming

Then i have the hen who brooded the showgirls, Carmen. She really needs to be back with her flock. i put her back in and it was gangbusters. Everyone had forgotten her and wanted to peck her. One by one, i took out the ones picking on her the most - that was 3 altogether - who are now super ticked at being stuck in an aviary (you all can probably here them complaining from there). But the rest of the flock seem to be slowly accepting Carmen back.

i really don't like the whole pecking order thing. It's very stressful to see any of my chickens getting picked on. But i guess it is what it is, and it sure seems like the underdog of the group is the first one to pounce on a newcomer. Anyhow, wish me luck.

 

[NancyP]

Good luck. I will be having the same issues soon. I have found no rhyme or reason the their behavior. Sometimes integration is easy and others well not so good.

 

[Rocky Top Chick]

I just reintroduced bunny who was out of the flock for 2 months with a broken leg. For the first couple of days I let her roam around outside the pen so that everyone could see her. Then I put a pen inside the pen and believe it or not, the first day in the pen, when everyone started going to bed she jumped the fence and into the coop she went. Everything has been good since. I think I just got LUCKY.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Wow, good for you. It's great when it goes so smooth.

Carmen seems to be doing well back in with her flock mates. i put the three rabble-rouzers back in there at bedtime. Only minimal pecking today, which is normal for that group.

The little kids are okay, too. i tried to put the pecky girl in there, but she wouldn't stop pecking, so she's back in a hutch with her rooster brother. i may just rehome those two.

Looking forward to a peaceful flock.