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

[dame egna]

Well, we collected our 3 newbies on Saturday morning. We were hoping to get a egg layer (a legbar) but she didn't have any, so we came away with 2 Devon Rocks that lay and 1 Light Sussex that lays . The Light Sussex has settled in like she's been here forever, and I think this is due to the fact she was living with lots of other hens like our others when we first got them. The Devon Rocks however were in another smaller run with only a couple of other hens and a cockeral, and they are REALLY nervy. They seem to be an easy target for my other hens, who keep pecking at them whenever they get the chance, so I keep wading in with the broom or the hosepipe (they were not impressed with me yesterday!) Overnight, they are all fine together - in fact, the others seem to sleep ON them but during the day they just seem to gang up on them a bit They have a enough space to get away from the others, and they do seem to stay in the summer house (which is their coop/feeding area). When I let the others free range on the garden, they venture out into the run and seem happy enough. Will this settle down?! Will they continue to be a target if we leave them together, or will the others get used to them being there eventually? I'm just not sure whether to separate them completely or just let them get on with it? They aren't fighting back - not sure if that's a good thing or not, but consequently there are no actual fights, no blood being drawn or anything like that. I just feel a bit sorry for them right now! At the moment, as soon as the 'old' 5 have laid their eggs, I put them out on the garden so the new ones are left in peace (but are still able to see the others).

 

Will take pics shortly and upload later!

 

Sorry forgot to say I'm not entirely sure how old the new ones are, although they are laying eggs so they must be 19 weeks ish, the other Light Sussex isn't laying yet but should be any time soon.

Edited May 4, 2009 by Guest

[Patricia W]

I wouldn't wait till blood is drawn. I think I'd separate all the new ones now and then introduce them slowly. Lots of expertise here from others so I'm sure they'll be along soon.

[Gamebird]

I am planning on getting some new girls sometime in July and I will be following the advice here on introducing new hens to an established flock.

[Cinnamon]

Its usually wise to keep the new hens seperate but within eyes view of the established flock first, & before that to possibly keep them quarantined away from the flock for a few days just to make sure that they are in good health, to protect your older hens.

 

It usually takes a good few weeks to get the living peaceably together, with introductions done very slowly at first.

[dame egna]

Just took these now. It seems watching them that they are settling in a bit and becoming more relaxed, a definite improvement on yesterday - which is helping them blend in more. I'm sure their whimpiness isn't helping! The Light Sussex is fine!!

 

 

 

and the green eggs!