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

[AJuff]

I rescued three marans who were in pretty poor shape mid September. They didn't do chickeny things like scratching at first but soon grew in confidence and adapted to more space. After a few weeks they were integrated slowly and initially all seemed well. Then the pecking started and how strange to see them just standing there as they plucked feathers out, not a squeak and no running away.

 

This week, after four weeks together, things turned nasty and after a vicious attack on two of them I decided to separate them flock and have given them the green eglu to themselves. I'm not sure if they haven't settled in because they are pure breeds or perhaps the flock is too big at 13. Francine Raymond in Country Living advises flocks to be kept between 6-8 as pecking order trouble occurs if the flock is too big.

 

I don't know what to think but I have two flocks which isn't ideal.

[Egluntyne]

I have 14 in my bigger flock and have no problems re pecking order issues beyond the odd nip here and there.

[Christian]

I also read Francine's comments about flock size.

 

Maybe do the introductions again slowly AJuff and see how it goes? Hopefully they will be one big happy family again soon.

[AJuff]

I think I'll keep them apart until all are fully feathered again and in excellent health. Then I'll start a slow integration again . . . perhaps when the weather is better?