Trouble bonding chicks + coop transitions?

[abcatgirl]

I have a Buff Polish and mixed breed that are around 15 weeks old. They have not moved into the coop yet with our other hens (who are 20 weeks old) because the older ones are picking on them. I have tried keeping them outside during the day with the others, but they still getting pecked. They are well over their coop moving date but still are living in a dog crate in the shed, and freak out if I put them in the coop even if there aren't other chickens in it.

If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

 

[GitaBooks]

Each bird is an individual, and each coop and flock are made differently, but I hope these tips can help:

Make sure there are multiple perches, feeders and waterers

Introduce the chickens through wiring over a week or two so they can get use to one another

Move the new birds into the coop at night, so they can settle in without being disturbed (but watch they don't get bullied in the morning)

Trim the polish's feathers (they'll grow back soon) so that it can more easily see the others and avoid bullying, as this breed can be prone to being picked on.


I hope it all works out well. Best of luck!