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

[chickenlass]

I'm not sure if I am doing thing s wrong or not but I really don't feel I am having a lot of success getting my new ex batts mixed in with Margo and Angelica.

I think I explained in an earlier post that my new Ex batts are living in separate accommodation to Margo and Angelica but all have been free ranging within sight of each other when I am able to supervise.

 

Today for the second time I let then all mingle together [armed with a water pistol...me not them that is in case of any squabbles ]

Well my new girls are really feisty little things and poor Margo and Angelica look shell shocked and have been assaulted several times by a couple of the chickens. To make matters worse I truly believe that M and A would like to be friends with them and have shown no aggression themselves and don't even seem to stick up for themselves even when a chicken has them by the neck.

Can anyone tell me if I am doing something wrong...am I worrying too much and will I be OK this weekend when I have more time to "just let the get on with it"

I dearly would like them to all live in the one hen house as its quite hard work with the two separate gangs and to make matters worse, "Hero" my oven ready look alike is on her own completely until she gets some strength and some more feathers as they all seem to hate her.

[Abbey Road Girl]

So sorry for you, Chickenlass, the situation sounds pretty dire.

 

I have no experience with introductions and I also unsure how long you've had two lots of hens to deal with, but Egluntine's advice to go slow (a few weeks?), letting them see each other at close range (but out of harm's way) before letting them free range together sounds like the best way to avoid gang fights.

 

Letting hens "get on with it" may work okay when all the hens are newbies, but I'd be inclined to take the cautious route otherwise.

 

Your poor ex-batts have had a hard life and must feel they have to fight to survive. When they learn that they are now in a far better place with plenty of grub and room to scratch around companionably, they will find it easier to be friendly.

 

The very best of luck to you.

[chickenlass]

Thanks for that!! I have had them since the end of June [the new group that is]

they have had short spell being together and since 9-30am this morning they have all been out together while my husband was at home and I went for a riding lesson [i just couldn't stand watching them s"Ooops, word censored!" again. ]

Anyhow when I came back a couple of hours ago all was quite...there has been the odd spit and spat and every now and again someone lunges at Margo or Angelica but blood hasn't been drawn yet thank goodness.

I have now put them all back in their two seperate areas so I can relax and stop worring about them. [i have only had 3 eggs today instead of the usual 5 and I have noticed 1 softee ....I'm hoping they are not too stressed and don't go off lay and become ill.