violent house mates

[haznoshadow]

Hi guys just added 2 new point of lay hens to our flock, in total we know have 6 hens the problem is the 2 new hens are getting hammered by the other chooks to the point where they wont come out of the hen house to feed or drink. any HELP!! would be appreciated thanks.

 

[Celtic Chick]

Never just throw new chickens into an existing flock. The results are catastrophic. You need to have an introduction period of at least a few days to a week, preferrably with the new ones fenced off so the "old" ones can't tear them to pieces. Either divide your run into 2 separate sections or put the newcomers into a cage inside the run for a few days to let them get used to each other.
If you have chicks, the general rule for adding new birds to an already existing flock is to wait until the newcomers are roughly the same size as the established birds. That way, they can at least defend themselves. Unacquainted chickens are going to fight, and unfortunately there is not much that can be done about it. It is just in their nature. But I would suggest that when you do finally put them together for the first time that you have the garden hose ready just in case anyone gets a little too out of hand. One quick shot of water should do it.

It would be nice if chickens could all just get along. Unfortunately, that was not programmed into their DNA. Chickens are cruel when it comes to outsiders until the pecking order becomes established. Once that is out of the way, peace should once again return to the kingdom.

 

[haznoshadow]

Oh crap have already put them in together CD and they have had quite a flogging they have not lost any bark off them but are really scared. Do you suggest i put them in a cage within a cage and see what happens mate??!!

 

[Celtic Chick]

Exactly. Put them in a cage & put them in the run to get them used to each other.
If they look really terrified, you just might want to get them away from the other birds altogether for a while so they can calm down. They might be a little traumatized and need to recover. Stressed birds can become sick.
Maybe put some electrolytes or poultry vitamins in their water if they start looking lethargic or depressed.
Good luck.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
All true. Although a 30 day quarantine is highly recommended as well. Disease is easily carried from flock to flock, even on your shoes. I usually quarantine the new birds for at least 30 days, well away from the main flock, then put them in a pen near the main flock for a few weeks. Then I let them out to free range together for a few days/week, eventually they fight it out and the new ones blend with the original flock.

Introducing chickens is a time consuming process.