Hi guys, need advice. I have 3 silkie hens who grew up together and are buddies. I was given another pullet who was very badly injured that I nursed back to health. I got her a buddy to grow up with. They are best friends with such an amazing bond but my 3 hens have not accepted the previously injured bird though don't seem to have issues with her buddy. They chase and pick on and isolate her but today they drew blood. It's been quite a while and I'm concerned for my previously injured hen ever being left alone. I thought about maybe rehoming the two besties but it breaks my heart cuz they're my sweethearts.
More info on how you integrated them might help. 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.