Over one week into integration..

[llombardo]

So the small ones were out on their own until 2 pm. I let the barred rock out at 2. So far so good. She has chased them off twice but no physical contact and they are all using the hiding spots to get away. She is definitely keeping them moving around instead of in a corner I'm letting the other girl out in about an hour.

 

[Folly's place]

Sounds good!
Mary

 

[Mrs. K]

the hideouts are working, and letting the chicks be in that space with periods without confrontation, I think helps. This always sounds kind of goofy, but I also think it helps the bigs to see the littles in there territory with out being able to chase them...then I think they get used to them there.

The end is in sight. Now they will be two sub flocks till the younger birds start laying, that and cold weather, will make a tight flock.

Glad you kept trying new ideas, very glad it finally started working.

Mrs K

 

[Dawnclucks22]

Coop drama! Change is hard, and so is integration, sometimes. Extra space is key here, and having separate areas, so birds can get away from each other. And time, to work things out.
Is anyone being injured? Do you have a really bad bully out there? Are they free ranging during the day?
What food? Mine is Flock Raiser, 20% protein, and it helps too.
Do you have multiple food and water stations, far apart? The less competition for resources, the better.
This will likely all work out...
Mary

I agree. My newest is still bullied but I’ve dealt with this 4ish times now. It will get better. It won’t go away completely because that’s the way of the pecking order, but it will improve.

 

[Criticalicious]

I am working through a similar situation. I keep reading that once everyone is the same size and close to POL, there will be less chasing and integration will go smoother. Will the younger ones gain confidence once they're the same size as the older pullets? Will they get along faster after the see-don't-touch period? Mine are all the same breed, but the two groups are about 7 weeks apart in age. The older ones haven't started laying yet but any day now.

 

[aart]

Will the younger ones gain confidence once they're the same size as the older pullets?

This is key once the pullets are laying they enter the main flocks pecking order.
It's the change in maturity.

 

[llombardo]

And my 2nd older girl started laying. I believe it was yesterday by the size of the egg and yoday there were two eggs and two chicken songs. They started singing and I went to see what the fuss was. First time for the egg song.

Right now I got the second girl outlet by herself. Same thing happening. Not even a chase but they run like hell when they see them coming.

I just want no injuries. I get they have to do what they have to do, but no blood please.

I also think that having the three older ones locked up does show them it's a shared space. Behave or you don't get that privledge. My older ones are not stupid by any means.

 

[llombardo]

So today, the small ones came out of the coop much faster and immediately went to eat, drink, scratch instead of running to the corner. They like the other ones seem to like the ducks.

Today I will let the older girls out one by one starting at noon. The boy will be let out about 6. He is not liking the girls being out without him.

The golden lace is the most bold. She is venturing around the most and flies right in the coop at night.

It is really nice to see the smaller ones enjoying and learning the area.

 

[llombardo]

The day is almost over. I came out a couple times to find them feet within each other. Quite a bit less running for dear life--now they just get out of dodge. Tomorrow I will let the two older ones out a couple hours earlier then today. Same with the boy. There was one close chase but she used all the hiding spots and the reality is the boy can't or doesn't try to run as fast as them. I felt like a cheerleader rallying her, she made it to a high spot without physical conflict. I literally clapped and was yelling good girl. Pretty sure my neighbors think I lost my mind.

 

[Folly's place]

They don't know already?
Mary