Trouble introducing new hens to a flock

[greggooo]

So what happens when the newbies roost in there?

The original chickens avoid the coop and I end up putting the new chickens back into the dining room.

Free ranging together is going better and better ever day. Less fights and squabbles each time. One of the new birds, a black copper maran hen, is vying for top hen. She slowly walks towards the chickens and they run from her.

 

[aart]

The original chickens avoid the coop and I end up putting the new chickens back into the dining room.

Free ranging together is going better and better ever day. Less fights and squabbles each time. One of the new birds, a black copper maran hen, is vying for top hen. She slowly walks towards the chickens and they run from her.

Huh!
Have you let it play out until dark?
Were the existing birds in the new coop before the new birds arrived?
Just really odd that the existing birds didn't defend their territory,
those new birds must be some real 'thugs'!

 

[greggooo]

Huh!
Have you let it play out until dark?
Were the existing birds in the new coop before the new birds arrived?
Just really odd that the existing birds didn't defend their territory,
those new birds must be some real 'thugs'!

They were not in there. It’s brand new, I built it last week. I had read that changing things up for all birds was good, so they were on even ground. But since the originals were getting spooked, they have been sleeping in the new coop for 4 days now.

 

[ShellyBlanco]

You have really rocked the original birds world by introducing new birds and changing the coop. You should just let it play out at this point. If the new birds go into the coop first (on their own), the older birds will go in (on their own). You have to not interfere and they will work it out.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree, if the old birds do not go in the new coop, instead of getting the new girls, push the old girls in there and shut the door. Wait an hour or two, go back down and open the pop up door, that way they can go out in the morning. Two nights and they will all go in.

However, they may be sub flocks for some time, that too will go away with time. A little cold weather will help them become one flock.

From what you describe, there is no violent attacking, so I would not worry about it.

Monica

 

[greggooo]

I agree, if the old birds do not go in the new coop, instead of getting the new girls, push the old girls in there and shut the door. Wait an hour or two, go back down and open the pop up door, that way they can go out in the morning. Two nights and they will all go in.

However, they may be sub flocks for some time, that too will go away with time. A little cold weather will help them become one flock.

From what you describe, there is no violent attacking, so I would not worry about it.

Monica

So today, they were in close quarters with a little chasing and one small spar. A lot of good steps forward.

But at bedtime, it was stressing everyone out. The old girls were on one side, the new on the other, which was fine, but then my rooster decided that because the new girls were right next to him, he would peck them all. I know that they have to work that out, but having them get pummeled while sitting there trying to sleep wasn't working.

It ended up tonight with a small temporary barrier between them. After a couple days, I am sure this will be fine, but wow, its stressing.

 

[aart]

Good move with the partition.

Well, that camera will make it much easier to monitor their behaviors in the morning!!
Best of cLuck!

 

[greggooo]

Good move with the partition.

Well, that camera will make it much easier to monitor their behaviors in the morning!!
Best of cLuck!

Oh I'm anticipating an early morning...with the time change. I may be having my morning coffee in the coop so they don't kill each other!

 

[aart]

Oh I'm anticipating an early morning...with the time change. I may be having my morning coffee in the coop so they don't kill each other!

With the camera can't you have coffee next to the fire, while watching the birds via wifi?

 

[greggooo]

With the camera can't you have coffee next to the fire, while watching the birds via wifi?

Well... I wanted to be present just in case it quickly got out of hand, but it being 36 degrees this morning... I'm not leaving the house.