She was not happy!

[JAZsMom]

I wasn't sure if it would end well, but, wow, our alpha hen was NOT happy! We have 4 hens (rented- long story, thinking about keeping 2) and 6 chicks, so I thought we should introduce them. I dont have a cage, so I put the chicks in the run of the hen's coop. The noises that came out of those hens was blood curdling!!! 2 were ok, one just wanted wanted to watch and was curious and then there's Fried. She was ANGRY. I spent the day painting our new coop and she kept creeping up ninja style and would peck me! At first I thought she was being sweet and coming to say hi, so I petted her...nope, she pecked me...and kept coming at me! I have bruises! Sooooo....suggestions? Trying to introduce slowly, but nut sure how..cant afford a cage. Thanks!

 

[aart]

How old are these chickens and chicks?
Might the biter be a rooster?

Sounds like you did a pretty abrupt integration...might want to read up on that.

advanced search>titles only>integration
Lots of different techniques and situations.

Would love to hear about the rental experience.

 

[JAZsMom]

Just realized I failed to mention that I locked the hens out of the coop/run! So they weren't in there with them (I think the hens are about 6 months and the chicks are just about 3 weeks). Didn't realize Fried would be so upset about sharing her run!

I've been reading non-stop, so I knew not to put them together, thankfully. IN wasn't really planning on introducing, as we weren't planning to keep any of the hens, but now I'm thinking we may, so I want to try intros. I haven't liked Fried since day 1, so we wouldn't be keeping her. Off to do more reading on making intros.