old hens staying in coop...are they protecting it?

[blueheaven]

a month ago i introduced 13 new pullets and one roo to my 8 existing hens. i find the 8 hens inside all day. they used to NEVER be in the coop until now.
they all are getting along well. however, i feel like the old hens are protecting the coop/water/food and not wanting to share.

any thoughts?

 

[Judy]

Could be. A second feeder and waterer might be a good idea, to try to ensure all get to eat and drink. Hopefully they will adjust, given time.

 

[blueheaven]

i do see the pullets eating/drinking at times. but the older ones will run them off some of the time. i did have other feeders/water and they did not eat it and/or the hens would guard it too!

 

[clayhill]

I have seen the same issure with mine. I have two older hens with 5 young ones and 3 roos. I think the hens stay in as much as possible to avoid the young roos. When they do decide to go out for feed and water they try to bully the others. Just like us old folks . . . can't keep up, so we just stay out of the way!

 

[Judy]

I think I'd keep the other feeders/waterers plus offer treats and make sure everyone gets some, even if I had to push some out of the way. You can even toss regular feed on the ground as you might a treat.

It's possible there is a ringleader bully who you could separate for a few days, too, to further shake up the pecking order.

 

[dantodd]

Perhaps you should move the food and water out in the morning. If they old hens are guarding the food they'll go out with it. If they stay in the coop still you'll have eliminated one potential reason and be that much closer to an answer.

 

[blueheaven]

can't move food/water.
i have a HUGE feeder and waterer.
good idea though.
i do throw food on grass outside so all can eat when outside when they want.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Are any of the new pullets laying? Your older girls may be hiding out in the coop to avoid the new roo. If he is still young he will be un-practiced and worry the poor things to death. Just a thought. As for the feed and water, just give them an extra feeding station. They will use it if they aren't being allowed to eat or drink from the one inside the coop. Good luck...

 

[blueheaven]

yes, i have a few new girls laying. so fun to be getting more eggs!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I'd just add additional food and water outside for now. You don't need anything special, just a small pail, large bowl or pan will do. Whatever you have around. It takes time for a flock to meld. As long as they're all eating, drinking and none of them are being attacked to the point of damage, they have time to sort it out themselves.