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

[R-clucky]

Hi,

 

I'm hoping somebody will be able to offer me some advice as I have managed to get myself into something of a chicken-pickle!

 

the slightly complicated story...

 

last week I became the proud owner of 2 pekin bantams (Janie and Trish) who I was told were roughly 10 weeks old.

These were going to be friends for 3 other pekins (Cath, Nessa and Nina) which I picked up at the weekend (2 days after Janie and Trish).

 

These birds were all supposed to be the same age... roughly 10 weeks, but the 2 I brought home first are so much bigger and more mature than the other 3 girls it cant be possible!

 

I worried that the big 2 would harm the smaller 3... which was confirmed for me when I let them all out together and had to rescue poor little Nessa and Nina

 

So now I am stuck with the 2 bigger girls ruling my eglu with the 3 smaller girls in emergency housing.

 

I have read some of the forum advice about introducing POL hens and chicks to older hens... but what about young (and evidently aggressive!) chickens of a (supposedly) similar age who are all new???

 

any advice would be fantastic -I want a happy coop!

[Patricia W]

I think you have to be patient and wait until they are just about matched in size. I have 2 young ones and 3 larger ones so I know the problem. I keep them separate but in sight of each other and they are now beginning to feed alongside but separated by the eglu run. I know it isn't easy and patience is necessary. I'm sure you'll get lots of advice from others with more experience of integration than me.

[Egluntyne]

If you follow the advice in **these articles** you'll not go wrong. It will take time, and you would be best advised to borrow some separate accommodation for the new girls whilst the into period is taking place.

 

I will take time and patient management, but it pays off.

[Mrs Slats]

I'd be tempted into moving the bullies into the temporary housing and give the youngsters the main run. this will give them the confidence to know the area before the big girls go back in with them.

[R-clucky]

That is a good idea, I may try the small three in the main run and turf janie and trish (the bullies!) into the temporary house... hopefully letting them see each other more will help.

 

 

Thank you all for the advice - I guess I will have to wait until the 3 little girls catch up a bit in size!