Why hen won’t except new pullets

[Trux]

Given time and enough space to avoid one another they will eventually become a flock. The social structure of chickens can be brutal.

That is an understatement lol

 

[The chicken whisperer 5]

When you say your coop is small but large enough for 5 or 6 chickens at most, where did that information come from? Is it a pre-fab coop that stated a 5-6 chicken capacity?

What size run is attached to the main coop?

If you plan to combine these 4 chickens into one living arrangement, you will need a coop that is 3x4 but preferably 4x4 feet at a minimum. This size should not include the nest box area. Larger would be much better due to the dominant hen going after the pullets to keep them in their place below her in the pecking order. She will become more tolerant of them when they start laying and they have spend much more time together than 2 hours a day.

They should also have at least a 40 sq foot run attached to the coop (again, preferably much larger) where they can spend their days if they are not allowed to free-range during the day. Getting out of a tiny coop just 2 or 4 hours a day is not enough and could be contributing to the hen's disposition.

Chickens need the company of other chickens but they also need space.

When I get the coop a few years ago it had a maximum chickens info ok thanks for your help I will measure the coop and try and find some way to get them more space during the day.

 

[Chickassan]

You know understatements are the sole reason people aren't terrified to keep chickens in the first place

That is an understatement lol

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