Trying to integrate new chick

[Jandsloch]

How big is the coop you are putting all the chickens in? Could this be a space issue? Also if they r just reaching down and pecking them on the heads they are still trying to work out pecking order. Mine have been together for a while and occasionally one of my big girls still reaches down and pecks a “chick” in the head

 

[nadiamaria3]

That’s a cute pic! You may need to come take my rooster! Lol! he’s never happy when my boy is near him.
I first started trying to integrate In the coop, about 2 months ago. I was still late with trying to put her in their coop but I started letting them all out together since the chicks were about 4-6 weeks old. I would just stay out there the whole time to ensure their safety. So when I started trying to put her in the coop, I really didn’t think I would have any issues.

just realized my reply said you should take him, was supposed to say you should come tame him

 

[nadiamaria3]

How big is the coop you are putting all the chickens in? Could this be a space issue? Also if they r just reaching down and pecking them on the heads they are still trying to work out pecking order. Mine have been together for a while and occasionally one of my big girls still reaches down and pecks a “chick” in the head

My big coop is about 8’x12’ with only 4 hens in it.

 

[nadiamaria3]

How big is the coop you are putting all the chickens in? Could this be a space issue? Also if they r just reaching down and pecking them on the heads they are still trying to work out pecking order. Mine have been together for a while and occasionally one of my big girls still reaches down and pecks a “chick” in the head

Yes, it’s just pecks on the head, but sometimes They will chase her down to get her & sometimes all will do that at the same time. So, I don’t keep her in there w/out me for long periods of time.

 

[aart]

My big coop is about 8’x12’ with only 4 hens in it.

Is the run 8x12....or just the coop?
Pics of inside the coop, please?

 

[Jandsloch]

Yes, it’s just pecks on the head, but sometimes They will chase her down to get her & sometimes all will do that at the same time. So, I don’t keep her in there w/out me for long periods of time.

Give her plenty of places to get away and or hide. Make sure there are multiple feeding and water stations. I think it will be ok. It’s tougher to integrate 1 at a time as there is just one multiple numbers being added makes it easier as it isn’t just 1 they go after. Hang in there they will get it. In my opinion the more u remove her the longer it will take. If you’ve done the see but don’t touch method for awhile then I would let them work it out as long as blood isn’t being drawn and she’s eating and drinking. They may even pull a feather or 2....I’ve had plenty of practice with integration lol last batch was 4 weeks old integrating 4 chicks. Did the see but don’t touch method since week 1 had them in separate coop but after week 4 I let them out and yes there was pecking and chasing but after a few days everything calmed down. No blood drawn and everyone was eating and drinking. The bigger ones roost on top roost and now 6mweeks or so later the chickies still don’t roost with them and occasionally they get a peck to remind them their place.

 

[Jandsloch]

My big coop is about 8’x12’ with only 4 hens in it.

Coop an run 8x12? The coop itself doesn’t look 8x12 how big is the coop itself? It may be a space thing. In the coop itself I’ve been advised 4sq. Ft per birdie for large fowl. 1 foot roost space per each also for happy chickens

 

[nadiamaria3]

Is the run 8x12....or just the coop?
Pics of inside the coop, please?

I should have clarified, the entire structure is the 8’x12’.

Is the run 8x12....or just the coop?
Pics of inside the coop, please?

Pics of inside, I didn’t get great ones since it was Raining here & trying to keep chickens dry. Whole structure is about 8’ deep, 12’ long & 8’ tall. There is also space under the actual coop in addition to the run.

 

[Jandsloch]

I should have clarified, the entire structure is the 8’x12’.


Pics of inside, I didn’t get great ones since it was Raining here & trying to keep chickens dry. Whole structure is about 8’ deep, 12’ long & 8’ tall. There is also space under the actual coop in addition to the run.

I think for the coop inside u need to have about 4sq foot per bird...it may just be a simple space issue but I can’t see adding an extra bird would be an issue. U may just need to give it some time. It’s hard to see exactly how much room they have in the coop itself.

 

[Jandsloch]

Also perhaps try see but don’t touch method