Problems with every aspect of getting old and new chickens together

[cynthia1955]

We had 4 hens for 2 years, 2 barred rocks and 2 white and black ones. Mountain lion got 1 of each. This spring we got 2 pullet chicks, 2 straight run Buff Orps, and 2 straight run Penesendecas.(spelling). . 1 of each ended up being roosters. the 2 older ones terrorize the other 6. The Orp roo ended up being pretty much ostracized and picked on by the others. The Penny roo is gorgeous, takes care of the young hens, but he also bites the backs of the young hens. We don't know what to do. They all roam during the day, only the older 2 lay eggs. They all share a coop with a fenced yard. Older 2 try to keep the others from the food and water. My man wants to eat the older 2. What can we do to get them to get along? Sorry rambling, it is stressing me out!

 

[Monkeybean415]

How long have they all been together? It can take a week or so for everyone to work out their new pecking order. Just make sure the littles have food and water they can get to even if that means setting up a second one. We've had good luck putting newbies in a playpen in the coop for a week and letting them all free range together. Plenty of space for littles to hide if needed. I can't help with the Roos. I'm new to them and our oldest is only 3 months but it doesn't sound like things will work out with the orp.

 

[cynthia1955]

We used a large dog carrier and then a playpen outside. They've been 'together since May. Had to divide the coop because older 2 kept picking on the others. They free range during the day, but they still squabble. Just recently undivided the coop,still hear squawking from all of 'em. How long does it take to establish pecking order? The bigs even go after the roosters, who are actually getting pretty big. Orpie still has a slight limp, but he is back to being pretty mean to the little hens. George says they are not being 'amorous' just mean.

 

[Old 76 Farm]

If the older two are keeping others from food & water, I would separate them for a few days from the flock every time they do this. This will put them back at the bottom of the pecking order. As far as the roosters go, I would send two to the freezer or re-home them & keep the nicest one. Things should settle down after that. If not, I'm with your old man about the older two.

 

[cynthia1955]

We put the 2 roosters in our empty rabbit hutch. We'll see how the hens get along. I was under the impression that Buff Orpingtons were sweet friendly birds. Or is that only the females?