trouble with red sex links

[eastman5]

I have a small flock of buff orpingtons (two 5 year olds, ten 12 week olds) with a recently added cute little amber link. They get along great. We were given five 2 year old red sex links, which we kept quarantined, then were kept in sight of the buffs for a few days. Unfortunately, they seem to want to kill the pullets and have even attacked and drawn blood from my old ladies. I cannot determine the ringleader, it seems to be a group effort with these girls. My husband has gone so far as to build them their own little coop, but if they are let out to free range with the others, (we have over 3 acres) they go back into attack mode. They are quite friendly to humans and lay really well, but I have to think of what to do with them. I hate to think of not being able to let them out.

 

[Bunnylady]

Clearly, this is a problem of two flocks, one territory. Young birds will always be an easy target in this kind of gang warfare; it's splendid that the older BO's have accepted them.

I don't have any tried-and-true type answers, but I do have a thought. Have you tried just letting one of the sex-links out with the BO's at a time? I'm thinking that without her buddies to back her up, the "odd bird out" might be more inclined to play nice with the others. I hate introducing young birds as singles, because IME they often get bullied unmercifully, but with these older girls, being a single bird around an established flock might help to break up the "us vs. them" attitude. Like I said, just a thought.

 

[eastman5]

thanks, I will have to try it!

 

[jtbrown]

Also, In same mindset. Maybe separate all 3 in separate dog cages, unused brooders, etc for a week then reintroduce. Without their group mojo it may go easier. I had a nasty EE I separated for a week, took the wind out of her sails, forget now which little turdy bird it was now.
She assimilated well after that. Good luck, I hate when my girls get nasty.