The mean girls

[michmarie10]

I have 6 -12 week old hens and 1 rooster I have been trying to put in with my 4-1 yr. Old hens and 2 of them are not having it. I put an addition on my coop and have a screen door in the middle and a fence up between my enclosed runs so they all can see each other every minute of the day. I let them out together for an hour each day but the 2 keep chasing the babies and ripping feathers out. They are so mean to them. How do I stop it?? Isn't it time for them to all be together?? Help. My enclosed run is 20x22 and my coop is 10x10. I have a open fenced in area also that I let them all out in each day. I have a corner temporarily fenced in for the babies that butts up to the other 4s enclosure. They see each other all day and night.

 

[DobieLover]

I have 6 -12 week old hens and 1 rooster I have been trying to put in with my 4-1 yr. Old hens and 2 of them are not having it. I put an addition on my coop and have a screen door in the middle and a fence up between my enclosed runs so they all can see each other every minute of the day. I let them out together for an hour each day but the 2 2 keep chasing the babies and ripping feathers out. They are so mean to them. How do I stop it?? Isn't it time for them to all be together?? Help

How long have the 6 pullets and 1 cockerel been exposed to the 4 hens? They should be in the "look don't touch" setup for a minimum of a week.
How much space is in the run and what is in the space? Can you please post some pictures of your setup?
It typically takes months for sub-flocks to integrate fully.

 

[michmarie10]

How long have the 6 pullets and 1 cockerel been exposed to the 4 hens? They should be in the "look don't touch" setup for a minimum of a week.
How much space is in the run and what is in the space? Can you please post some pictures of your setup?
It typically takes months for sub-flocks to integrate fully.

I will definitely post pictures the minute it gets more day light. They have been in the current situation for 3 weeks.

 

[michmarie10]

How long have the 6 pullets and 1 cockerel been exposed to the 4 hens? They should be in the "look don't touch" setup for a minimum of a week.
How much space is in the run and what is in the space? Can you please post some pictures of your setup?
It typically takes months for sub-flocks to integrate fully.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I have had groups that couldn't care less about new members, groups it took literally months before they settled enough to live peacefully and a few birds that NEVER accepted the new members.

It looks like your set up is really good. Just give them more time.

 

[michmarie10]

I have had groups that couldn't care less about new members, groups it took literally months before they settled enough to live peacefully and a few birds that NEVER accepted the new members.

It looks like your set up is really good. Just give them more time.

My 4 are spoiled rotten lol. I will give them as much time as possible but the babies need more space in their enclosed corner. I let them out to run a handful of times. I need to figure out a little expansion.

 

[RubelliteRose]

Unfortunaetly, no advice. My babies just turned 6 weeks so I haven't started integrating them with my 1 year olds yet. But I wanted to say that you have a beautiful set up!!

 

[michmarie10]

Thank you

 

[21hens-incharge]

Your meanies are California Whites? Leghorns?

As long as no blood is being drawn they may work it all out in short order.

There will be squabbles as they work out the pecking order. Those can look more brutal than they really are.

 

[michmarie10]

Your meanies are California Whites? Leghorns?

As long as no blood is being drawn they may work it all out in short order.

There will be squabbles as they work out the pecking order. Those can look more brutal than they really are.

The meanies are white marans. I figured it would not be easy but one pulls a beak full of feathers out of the babies and 1 just chases them. The other 2 do not mind them at all