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The dreaded pecking order....

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by rachcake, Sep 26, 2016.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Sep 26, 2016 #1
    rachcake

    rachcake New Egg

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    It's been 3 days since I fully introduced 3 new chickens to my flock of 3 chickens.

    My 3 older chickens are fine with 2 of the newbies but 1 they are just chasing and pecking. She can escape up onto the roof of the coop but i'm concerned she isn't eating/drinking enough as every time she comes down from the roof, she is soon chased and pecked again. BUT the fact she does come down gives me a bit of hope, she obviously isn't TOO scared? And when in the coop at night she is even cuddled right upto the ones who are pecking her in the day.

    I've been taking some food and water up to her when she's on the roof, but I'm worried that could make the situation worse....I know she needs to come down herself to eat and drink and get into the pecking order.

    I've read a little online and says this will pass, and at least she has somewhere to get away from the pecking.

    Tried the vicks trick but I'm not sure I put enough on, may try that again tomorrow. I just wish she would stick up for herself instead of running away! [​IMG]

    Someone tell me this will stop??? Not nice to see and I feel kinda helpless.
     
  3. Sep 26, 2016 #2
    TheTwoRoos

    TheTwoRoos Chillin' With My Peeps

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    It should.but there may be something ib particular abour that ne.She could be sick,weak,or maybe she isnt willing to let them dominate.Pecks back sometimes things like that.
     
  5. Sep 26, 2016 #3
    aart

    aart Chicken Juggler! Premium Member

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    My Coop
    If she's coming down to eat and roost....
    ....and is not being pinned down and beaten bloody.....it should work out, just takes time.

    Lots of space, places to hide, multiple feed/water stations, all help with integration.

    Maybe you've read all these but...
    Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
    This is good place to start reading:
    https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock
     
  7. Sep 26, 2016 #4
    donrae

    donrae Hopelessly Addicted Premium Member

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    [​IMG]

    I'm with aart. She's coming down on her own, I'd just leave them be and let them work it out. It's only been 3 days, a lot of integration takes a good 2 weeks.
     
  9. Sep 26, 2016 #5
    amynrichie

    amynrichie Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I also have LOTS of feeding stations, probably more than needed. Make sure there is plenty of space in the run, and food and water stations are far enough away from each other so that the bossiest hens can't guard them all at the same time.
     
  11. Sep 27, 2016 #6
    chickengeorgeto

    chickengeorgeto Overrun With Chickens

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    Chickens are kind of good at making us feel helpless.

    There is nothing that will fold her into the flock except time. Some times the health of a hen is bad and the rest of the flock can sense weakness and this is a bad thing. I am sure that plenty of fold timers on this forum has saw an alpha rooster suddenly fall from grace or become incapacitated in some way, and every rooster in the flock will gang up on him in an orgy of revenge taking.
     

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