MadChickens5
In the Brooder
- Oct 16, 2024
- 10
- 2
- 16
We have 4 one-yr-old hens. We're currently integrating 7 12-week-old pullets.
We raised the new chicks separately and then introduced them slowly. We started with putting them outside in a separate enclosure during the days where they could all see each other. After a week, we'd let them out for a little while each day, supervised.
One of the hens is very mean to the chicks. When they were in the separate enclosure outside, she'd go up to the chicken wire and fluff up her feathers like she was trying to intimidate them. When we started letting them interact, she'd chase after them and go after their necks.
We've now separated the hen that is bullying and we've moved the chicks into the coop with the other three hens. We're keeping them in the coop/run 24/7 for a few days and they all seem to be getting comfortable. There is an occasional kerfuffle in that group, but nothing serious.
We've tried reintroducing the bully hen at night, but she keeps going after them as soon as they're up in the morning. Then we pull her back out to the separate enclosure.
What else can we do? I'd hate to have to get rid of the bully, but that will be our last resort plan.
On another note, the chicks always try to stay in the run at night. Any suggestions on getting them to go up and roost at night?
We raised the new chicks separately and then introduced them slowly. We started with putting them outside in a separate enclosure during the days where they could all see each other. After a week, we'd let them out for a little while each day, supervised.
One of the hens is very mean to the chicks. When they were in the separate enclosure outside, she'd go up to the chicken wire and fluff up her feathers like she was trying to intimidate them. When we started letting them interact, she'd chase after them and go after their necks.
We've now separated the hen that is bullying and we've moved the chicks into the coop with the other three hens. We're keeping them in the coop/run 24/7 for a few days and they all seem to be getting comfortable. There is an occasional kerfuffle in that group, but nothing serious.
We've tried reintroducing the bully hen at night, but she keeps going after them as soon as they're up in the morning. Then we pull her back out to the separate enclosure.
What else can we do? I'd hate to have to get rid of the bully, but that will be our last resort plan.
On another note, the chicks always try to stay in the run at night. Any suggestions on getting them to go up and roost at night?
