Questions on introducing pullets to hens

[genesis1981]

Hey all. I have just introduced new pullets to older hens. At first I had the pullets separated from the hens in their run as many suggested and I would put the together to free range in a small area in the yard. One hen was bullying the pullets very badly during those interactions. Gradually that stopped but I think it was only because the younger ones started actually hiding and staying well away from them. They are clearly traumatized from getting jumped on and having feathers pulled out!

Now I have the two pullets in with the hens in their run during the days. But basically the young ones just avoid the older hens at all costs. They stay up on the roosts in the run all day long. Sleep on a separate roost in the coop, where we started placing them the last few nights. Ive had to put hanging food and water up high for them bc they wont come down on the ground in the run or go anywhere near the hens when they free range. If they accidentally get anywhere near an adult they jump up and sometimes injure themselves trying to get away.

My question is - is this normal, the total avoidance? Just part of pecking order establishment? Should I be allowing this or should I try to force them together ie removing food from up high? We are having a major heat wave and I just didnt want to deprive any of the chickens of what they need while it is hot and stressful for them.
Its been a couple weeks of this. I thought they would start to acclimate after a few days but maybe I am expecting too much. The only reason I worry is because we are not going to continue to be able to place them into the coop every night. They need to get comfortable enough to go to bed themselves for gods sake. Any suggestions would be a great help!

 

[B40chick]

I want to watch replies because I am also merging older and younger birds

 

[aart]

My question is - is this normal, the total avoidance? Just part of pecking order establishment? Should I be allowing this or should I try to force them together ie removing food from up high? We are having a major heat wave and I just didnt want to deprive any of the chickens of what they need while it is hot and stressful for them.

Pretty normal.
They won't truly begin to merge until the youngers start laying.
The staying on the roost all day isn't good.
I would not remove the feed and water from where they will use it.

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.
Space is key as well as multiple feed/water stations and 'hiding places'.

 

[genesis1981]

Pretty normal.
They won't truly begin to merge until the youngers start laying.
The staying on the roost all day isn't good.
I would not remove the feed and water from where they will use it.

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.
Space is key as well as multiple feed/water stations and 'hiding places'.

Thank you! I have two pullets (breed TBD they were sold to me as Sapphire Gem but we arent sure) and two Black Australorp hens.
Their run is 10x4 and 5-6 ft tall in different spots. There are two main roosts a few feet off the ground and one very high one they dont use much. There are 4 food areas and 6 water areas (overkill maybe but it gets very hot here in Maryland in the summer)

The pullets basically just sit on the roost that is on the side I had separated off for them for a few weeks. They are definitely afraid to come down but one of them will from time to time.

 

[genesis1981]

Thank you! I have two pullets (breed TBD they were sold to me as Sapphire Gem but we arent sure) and two Black Australorp hens.
Their run is 10x4 and 5-6 ft tall in different spots. There are two main roosts a few feet off the ground and one very high one they dont use much. There are 4 food areas and 6 water areas (overkill maybe but it gets very hot here in Maryland in the summer)

The pullets basically just sit on the roost that is on the side I had separated off for them for a few weeks. They are definitely afraid to come down but one of them will from time to time.

Also the pullets are 13 weeks!

 

[aart]

Their run is 10x4 and 5-6 ft tall in different spots.

No coop? Pics please?

here in Maryland

Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Their run is 10x4 and 5-6 ft tall in different spots. There are two main roosts a few feet off the ground and one very high one they dont use much. There are 4 food areas and 6 water areas (overkill maybe but it gets very hot here in Maryland in the summer)

Photos would be great. This is very tight space for integration though, and the reality is the run is too narrow for the younger birds to pass by without offending the hens, so the hens will always want to go after them, which worsens the problem. Also while having extra food or water sources is good during integration, having that many in such a small space is overkill.

Is there any way you can expand the run? Even for a small flock I personally would not go smaller than 10x10. You need the extra space to 1) add obstacles for the pullets to hide behind and 2) so the pullets can put enough distance between themselves and the adults to safely navigate the run.

 

[genesis1981]

Photos would be great. This is very tight space for integration though, and the reality is the run is too narrow for the younger birds to pass by without offending the hens, so the hens will always want to go after them, which worsens the problem. Also while having extra food or water sources is good during integration, having that many in such a small space is overkill.

Is there any way you can expand the run? Even for a small flock I personally would not go smaller than 10x10. You need the extra space to 1) add obstacles for the pullets to hide behind and 2) so the pullets can put enough distance between themselves and the adults to safely navigate the run.

Alas I wish we could expand the run. We are in an area where everyone has back yard chickens but they are not technically legal so everyone has to hide them! We had to build ours in a specific unseen area. Which is why we only have 4 chickens and will not be able to get more until we move. They do get plenty of free range time though in another area of the yard thats also pretty hidden but wasnt appropriate for the coop and run.
Adding a picture of part of the run and you can see how the pullets just chill on the roost most of the day. However as of last night they all went in the coop! I take this as a very good sign. This morning they hopped down for treats as well, didnt stay up on the roost all scared. Maybe they are finally getting gutsy! Pic to follow.

 

[genesis1981]

Photos would be great. This is very tight space for integration though, and the reality is the run is too narrow for the younger birds to pass by without offending the hens, so the hens will always want to go after them, which worsens the problem. Also while having extra food or water sources is good during integration, having that many in such a small space is overkill.

Is there any way you can expand the run? Even for a small flock I personally would not go smaller than 10x10. You need the extra space to 1) add obstacles for the pullets to hide behind and 2) so the pullets can put enough distance between themselves and the adults to safely navigate the run.

 

[rosemarythyme]

However as of last night they all went in the coop! I take this as a very good sign. This morning they hopped down for treats as well, didnt stay up on the roost all scared. Maybe they are finally getting gutsy! Pic to follow.

Good to hear!

As far as the run space, since it can't be made larger, see if you can add one larger obstacle in the middle that isn't too solid (so it doesn't just eat up a big patch of floor), such as a wooden ladder, patio chair, sawhorse, just to break up the space and add a little usable vertical space to the spot as well. It won't work as well as having multiple obstacles, but it might help give the younger birds something to put between them and the older ones if they're being harassed.