Mrs Slats Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 A couple of months ago I picked up 2 new hens and despite a gentle introduction blood was drawn and poor Feathers needed stitches. We had to keep her apart for 2 weeks while the wound healed as she was a prime target for more attacks, even from the other new chicken. We really worried that after the 2 week absence she would be bullied further when we put her back in with the others. On the advice of our chicken stockist to "remove the bullies" This is how we managed it... For the 2 weeks she was in isolation she lived in a run a few metres from the others, in full view. Each day she was allowed out to freerange, with just one or 2 of the others (starting with the ones at the bottom of the pecking order) and building up from there. The free ranging was closely supervised and allowed us to see how she got on with each of the others. Any trouble makers were put back inside. After 2 weeks she was freeranging with all of them and we knew who she could be left alone with and who couldn't be trusted Then, on D-day. We put Feathers and 2 trustworthy chickens in the big run . The 3 bullies were consigned to the temporary run. This gave feathers time and space to explore her new surroundings and find her escape routes. The supervised freeranging continued as before. Gradually over the next 2 weeks we reintroduced the bullies, putting one back in the main house every 5 days or so. It worked. Each naughty chicken re-entered the house with a slightly less haughty air and Feathers had the confidence to keep out of their way. 4 weeks on and there have been no further problems... she's even standing up for herself and getting to the treats. I hope this helps anyone with a similar problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 Fantastic story, I am sure that it will help others. Also, I love a happy ending Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 good news & ideas there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara-W Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 What a brilliantly managed reintroduction Well done!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 This is great as it is always helpful to know what others have done when trying to manage intros. Sounds as though you made a brilliant job of it. Any pics of the happy gang?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
