4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[NClaire]

Hi, as you know I got 2 new chickens last week (Wednedsay), to go in with my 1 year old Goldline. The 2 newbies are about 20-22 weeks I think, and are similar sized (or bigger than) to my Goldline.

 

Nights are no problem. They all snuggle up happily on the roost.

 

Days - generally they keep out of the way, and the new girls are gaining confidence. But Dopey is still chasing them out of the run. So atm I am putting her in the rabbit hutch (facing the run) for large parts of the day. She obviously has food and water, and she does get some time in the run.

 

Is there anything else I can do? I'm thinking that this will just increase the new girls' confidence, and also repress Dopey a bit. She was very bullied in the other run with my other chickens, and is revelling in being Queen Chicken a little too much for my liking!

 

Thanks!

[Egluntyne]

Can't remember if I've posted a link to **this article**.

 

As you've got the separate accommodation in place, I'd get them used to sharing treats, as food is often the issue. Sprinkle them along the perimeter of her hutch and let them get used to eating together.

[NClaire]

Thanks - that's a good tip about sprinkling the food along the perimeter. I will try that.

 

Atm the newbies are in the run, Dopey is in the rabbit hutch, and although she is not happy about being in there, it seems to be ok for her.

 

Unfortunately free ranging isn't really an option for the new girls atm, as our fence is down - so I can let Dopey out as I know I can catch her, but I'm totally sure that the other 2 would escape!

[Chickaboo]

It will get better, Phoebe terrorised Daphne for 2 wks and then suddenly harmony was found

[NClaire]

I now have Dopey in the run, newbies shut in the house (with food and water).

 

I think my next move is to separate the run into 2 with garden canes, then they can see each other in the run, and eat and drink next to each other.