Will they ever get along?

[quiltnchik]

I bought 2 Bantam Cochin Frizzles (cockerel and pullet) over a month ago and have had them in quarantine. They are now 3-1/2 months old and do great with each other. However, when I attempt to let them have some free range time, my other flock (2-1/2 month old RSLs - mostly roos right now, though with 2 NHR pullets mixed in) come over to investigate. As soon as they get near, Brutus, the Frizzle roo, decides to be Billy Bad Butt and start trouble with them. Will I ever be able to let the Frizzles mingle with the others or are they going to need their own coop with run, and therefore never be allowed to free range?

 

[Judy]

They will need some time and pecking to get their pecking order established. It can look more vicious than it is. Leave it alone unless you see blood, and they will sort it out.

 

[quiltnchik]

Quote:
Should I try it in the evening or is any time of day fine? I just really feel sorry for the Frizzles being locked up and having no freedom right now

 

[JennsPeeps]

Any time of day, it doesn't matter.

We're essentially running 2 flocks right now and it's driving us nuts. Our 3 adults (2 standards, 1 banty) just do. not. like. the younger birds. We've had a couple of escapes from the yard due to the tormenting.

Tonight I clipped the flying birds' wings - 2 polish & 2 australorps (cochin, BO, and BR are as surprised as you are when they get some air) - and moved the banty in with the youngsters. Tomorrow we'll put the queen chicken, the BSL, alone in the run and put the RIR in with the youngsters. We want to shake up the pecking order while at the same time preventing the youngsters from escaping. They HAVE to learn to get along, especially since the youngers will start laying in about another month or so.

 

[kellykate]

Ok I had this same question -- I was soooo worried about a bantam sizzle I added to my 7 standard girls. Everyone was around the same age (16 weeks) but they would just chase her around and pretty much have nothing to do with her -- What had happened to my sweet girls???! But . . . it has been a couple weeks and I am happy to report all is well! They are all out clucking around together and they don't chase or act mean at all -- they all eat, drink, sleep and free-range together! I think it just takes some time and as awful as it is it may be easier not to watch! Just make sure they aren't drawing blood or really hurting them and then make peace with the fact that they know what they are doing! Good Luck