Trouble introducing new hens to a flock

[aart]

Good Move!
So how did it go?

 

[greggooo]

Good Move!
So how did it go?

Went pretty well. No fighting. We have a hentronix (www.hentronix.co.uk) that opens and closes the door automatically, and after the pop door opened, they went outside. A little chasing, but nothing big. Big relief.

 

[BY Bob]

We have been integrating 2 pullets with our 2 existing hens all summer. The #2 hen in our existing flock made it very clear that she would not be going lower in the pecking order. The 2 pullets are scared to death of her. We have essentially had 2 separate flocks all along. They have been in the same coop for well over a month now. They sleep on opposite sides of the roost.

Yesterday, for the first time, while #2 was in laying her egg, #1 approached the pullets and hung out with them. We were very excited. It just takes time.

 

[moniquem]

 

[BY Bob]

I spend tons of time watching them. Great entertainment and fascinating to watch them work it out

 

[aart]

Went pretty well. No fighting. We have a hentronix (www.hentronix.co.uk) that opens and closes the door automatically, and after the pop door opened, they went outside. A little chasing, but nothing big. Big relief.

Great!!
Sometimes it is good to 'force' the issue...
....'make' them work it out by giving no alternative.
Will you leave the roost partition up?
Will be curious to hear how it goes tonite

 

[greggooo]

Great!!
Sometimes it is good to 'force' the issue...
....'make' them work it out by giving no alternative.
Will you leave the roost partition up?
Will be curious to hear how it goes tonite

Went better tonight. The new chickens went in and automatically got up on their side of the petition. One issue might be our rooster. He's great at finding food and warning hens of hawks, but sometimes, he pecks his hens at bedtime. Has been doing it for a few months now.

 

[birdy1]

if you have a lot of room,( big hen house, and large pen or free range area)it should be fine to add several new hens, it will take about 2 weeks for them to work it out. My mother use to say, add new hens at night, so when they come out all together in the AM, the established hens think they are part of the flock. Not always true. I do like to add them at night, just to show them where to go .Once a hen has slept in a place 1-3 times, she will return at sun down. Never add just one to the flock. I have also fenced in a small area in the hen yard for 2 weeks or so, so they get acquainted without damage. Chickens are very territorial, take one out for 2-3 days, and they may pick on her upon return.