Sweet Pea and the pecking order

[beati]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I realized I didn't do the right thing, I would never do anything to hurt Sweet Pea, and will be returning the yearlings.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I realized I didn't do the right thing, I would never do anything to hurt Sweet Pea, and will be returning the yearlings.

I'm sorry it's not working out.

You do have a good idea. Sweet Pea is probably lonely, but it takes time to introduce new birds together. There is usually going to be some drama. Even when raising chicks right next to adults, there is drama for a while until the pecking order gets settled.
Take it slow. Do some reading on "see-but-don't-touch" integration. It's not perfect, but it's a good way to introduce chickens to one another.

 

[aart]

If/when you do get more birds, this might help......
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Oh, and here's pretty good article on quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article

 

[beati]

If/when you do get more birds, this might help......
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Oh, and here's pretty good article on quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article

Thank you for the information! I separated them and am hoping I can make it work. Sweet Pea is exactly true to her namesake, super sweet. She is the first one to run to me whenever I go to the field and always likes when we dig up worms together. She is part of my first group if girls, so my knowledge and understanding of how best to integrate new birds is lacking. I will read the articles you suggest. In my desire for her to have new friends after the loss of her best friend, Matilda, I stressed her out, which is the last thing I wanted to do. She is a 4 year old girl, and I am wondering if I get a few 2 month old girls she might have a better time. Do have any suggestions? Thanks again. Everyone on this forum is so nice and supportive. So glad I found all of you.

 

[Shorty22366]

Just a thought would she maybe accept a couple chicks in. She would have them to raise and keep her company. Just a thought. Good Luck.

 

[aart]

Just a thought would she maybe accept a couple chicks in. She would have them to raise and keep her company. Just a thought. Good Luck.

She wouldn't likely 'raise' them...not like an actual broody hen would.
But the younger any new birds (the lower in maturity) would give her an advantage,
but would still require an introduction period.
It's hard to predict how live animals will behave,
but the more you know about their 'natural' behaviors the better you can manage a domestic flock.
This bird might be fine on her own, or just one other other bird might be a good choice.

 

[beati]

Hello Everyone!
Thought I would do an update on Sweet Pea and the new girls
So my dear neighbor and friend had an old coop she wasn't using and gave it to me for the newbies, which has worked our swimmingly!
I think part of the problem, (although, as a beginner I may have this wrong, was that SweetP had just been abused by Dusty, so when the new girls came, she was a bit off her game.
It's been a week since they have been separated. SweetP, who is free range, hangs out by their coop and they chat, which is fabulous!
My question is how much longer do I wait to let the new girls out of their coop?
Since they are chatty, does that mean that SweetP may fair better than last week?
Again, thanks for all your help!
Cheers,
Lori

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I am not sure of the time. But, maybe introduce them in an open area that they are still contained in. If free range means backyard surrounded by a fence, I would think that would be a great place.
That is good to hear that she is interested in them and chatting with them.

 

[beati]

I am not sure of the time. But, maybe introduce them in an open area that they are still contained in. If free range means backyard surrounded by a fence, I would think that would be a great place.
That is good to hear that she is interested in them and chatting with them.

Thanks! It's a huge field, (165sqft) with a high block wall all the way around. Located in the center of the block, it feels like a secret garden.

Tomorrow I will open the door and see how it goes. Since I have the two coops, I am hoping that if they have any problems, they will run to their own space if they feel scared.

Again, thanks!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Let us know how it goes.