Ok BYC Friends, I REALLY need your advice now!!!!!

[mags2009]

I do not have a rooster. Just put them out today and let them out in the run with the others. What a fright fest! One actually got on top of one of the small ones and was pecking her and not letting her go! Then the number one hen, just wouldn't let up, so I gave up again and just put them in the smaller pen in the run from the pic. I just don't know what to do....

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. I would raise them separatly until they are about the same size. When or if you do combine them there will be pecking as they establish their pecking order and some may be more aggressive than others. Every integration is different. The birds are all different. Sometimes there will be one or two of the older birds that will be more aggressive than the others. I found if I take out the bullies and separate them the rest will do some pecking as they sort out their pecking order. Also I have squirted the bullies with a hose when I see them jump on top of the pullets and start wailing away at them. They eventually stop after enough squirts.

Here is some good information on integrating flocks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-adding-to-your-flock
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=14951

 

[mags2009]

I did read Buff's page before and I know he said to wait until the chicks are at least 16 weeks old. That's three more weeks. I just wanted to try to get this going before winter really set in, also, I have been home since Thursday, which I thought would help. I guess I will have to wait.

 

[mags2009]

Here's the other thing I was thinking of, if you look at my BYC page, you will see the pic where it says "our side" where the hatch door is and the feed and bedding for the interior of the coop. We also use that side for hanging garden tools, but I told my husband, what if we just keep the ee's in there, and you could add a temporary roost? That way, they would REALLY be next to the older girls, but have no way of getting to them. I could let them out in the small pen during the day, or if I am home, let them all out together during the day under my supervision, what does everyone think?

 

[DawnSuiter]

Since you have only one main aggressor, I'd remove her from the flock at night, and replace her with the new ones. Let her sit in 'jail' for a while, observe everyone from a distance if possible.

Get up early the next day to make sure and feed everyone well.. even add some treats or something so they will be nice & full. There WILL be some bickering I'm sure but if they are following top hen in their behavior, they might do just fine if she's outta the picture.

 

[chicksrcool]

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[chicksrcool]

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Your coop is phenomenal.................

 

[chicksrcool]

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Loved your article about the sand! Thank you

 

[lauralou]

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It sounds like a good solution to me. Give it a try.

And yes, your coop is awesome!

 

[mags2009]

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Loved your article about the sand! Thank you

Ok, If I do that, and replace the MAIN aggressor, I also have the coop light go on from 4 am to 8 am, would the others start pecking the @!#& out of the others before I would get up to supervise? Also, anyone on the other side of the coop idea? I will try the chicken jail if everyone thinks this is the best way.... Thank you everyone for helping me so far, but still am not quite decided, PLEASE DONT GIVE UP ON ME!!!! I STILL NEED ADVICE!!!