Hey everyone, I've had 2 backyard chickens, 11 month Delaware white, 9 month Buff) for about six weeks now. Everything has been going just fine with these two birds. The white has established herself as the dominant hen early in their new home establishment and since then, they get along fine. I have also provided them with a dual pen setup which consists of a 64sq ft hardware cloth fence that contains the coop. when I wake up, I open the "predator-proof" fence gate about half way which opens up to a large (approx. 500 sq ft play pen contained by chicken wire and aviation net. I also let the free range outside of the pen when im around (for hawk reasons) So needless to say, plenty of space for only two chickens. SO.. I decided to get a third: a 4 month old Buff pullet who is absolutely adorable.
However, since getting the new gal, the other two birds have been showing aggression towards her to put her in place in the pecking order. This occurs primarily around the double sided pvc feeder and dual cup waterer which are located in the "predator proof" pen. They chase her around alittle "pecking" at her although I have yet to see ANY feathers missing or blood drawn. Now whenever the two older hens get close to her, the little one scampers away to the other side of the pen. WHAT IM ASKING IS: Will this chasing ever go away? Will they ever integrate by establishing a pecking order and be able to comingle with the younger pullet? Im pretty sure it will reside as the pullet grows but Im wondering if anyone has seen doicile breed hens and pullets integrate quickly? Is this the type of aggression that warrants "caging the bully" or should I let her establish the ranks? No blood has been drawn, no feathers plucked, only mild chasing and "growling." It seems the aggression is worse in the mornings (when they are hungry?) and much better at night. Any help will be greatly appreciated. I feel bad for not getting two pullets for companionship but I don't have enough room yet in the coop.
However, since getting the new gal, the other two birds have been showing aggression towards her to put her in place in the pecking order. This occurs primarily around the double sided pvc feeder and dual cup waterer which are located in the "predator proof" pen. They chase her around alittle "pecking" at her although I have yet to see ANY feathers missing or blood drawn. Now whenever the two older hens get close to her, the little one scampers away to the other side of the pen. WHAT IM ASKING IS: Will this chasing ever go away? Will they ever integrate by establishing a pecking order and be able to comingle with the younger pullet? Im pretty sure it will reside as the pullet grows but Im wondering if anyone has seen doicile breed hens and pullets integrate quickly? Is this the type of aggression that warrants "caging the bully" or should I let her establish the ranks? No blood has been drawn, no feathers plucked, only mild chasing and "growling." It seems the aggression is worse in the mornings (when they are hungry?) and much better at night. Any help will be greatly appreciated. I feel bad for not getting two pullets for companionship but I don't have enough room yet in the coop.
