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

[Phosphorus]

Well I have kept my broody in the eglu run with her chicks in full sight of the other girls when they are out free ranging. She has been seperate from them now for 8 weeks. I was starting to wonder when she would go back to the other girls, they have never shown much interest in her when coming near the eglu run.

 

Today Gemma (broody) was out of the run on her own, but outside of the other girls with the omlet netting in the way. Turned round to see Charlotte my maran cross and Gemma squaring each other up, hackles raised and then going for each other Luckily separated by the netting so easily separated and not much harm done.

 

So any words of wisdom for getting my other girls to accept Gemma back when the time comes. I was going to let her gradually go back to the cube with them, starting with free ranging for a bit when they are out. However it seems things might not move that smoothly.

 

Is it normal for broody hens to be rejected by their original flock when returning, I thought they would remember her, but obviously have short memories? Could it have been the chicks in the eglu run nearby - I didn't see who started it, possibly Gemma could have been protecting her chicks

 

All help and advice greatly appreciated.

 

Chicks are now 5 weeks old and we are extending our existing run by making an additional section of accomodation, which won't be linked so we can keep all separate for a good while (if they can all fit in the eglu )

[Lewis]

Just do it slowly as if you were introducing a brand new hen.

They may have forgotten her, it happens when you take out a bully for a few days to lower them down the pecking order.

[abwsco]

This is the one thing that concerns me about my broody Dorking cross as my Black Rock and Speckeldy are still horrible to her even after months together

[Phosphorus]

This is the one thing that concerns me about my broody Dorking cross as my Black Rock and Speckeldy are still horrible to her even after months together

 

My speckeldy Gemma (the broody) was always the lowest girl Hate this - would be easier if I had 4 broodies returning to flock of 6 rather than just the one girl I have been out to buy water pistols this morning and will just resign myself to a slow return. My lad will be ecstatic being a water gun fiend