jellykelly Posted January 20, 2010 Share Posted January 20, 2010 My 5 new girls have finally plucked up the courage to step outside of the run. I had the door open all day yesterday and not one ventured into the garden. I've just poked my head around the garden and three are out. Hopefully they'll get close to my old girls and they'll all play nicely together! Out of interest though - How long does the 'hen pecking' process take?? Are we talking one day, two ... a week?? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 20, 2010 Share Posted January 20, 2010 Three weeks to a month is a reasonable estimate. Ex batts are often a bit aggressive around food as they have had to fight for it in the battery cage. I'd put out several feed stations out and they will get the idea that there is plenty for everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted January 20, 2010 Share Posted January 20, 2010 My ex batts took about a month to stop pecking and chasing the others although they are still very possesive over food. I have three feeders in the run. Now they are out the only problen you will have is getting them back in again. One of mine is a brilliant escape artist and takes herself of for a wander whenever she gets the chance. Luckily she comes to call. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted January 20, 2010 Share Posted January 20, 2010 Glad to hear they've ventured out finally , food is an issue to ex-batts, mine are still the greediest of all my hens but eventually they learn their manners . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pikey Posted January 20, 2010 Share Posted January 20, 2010 I was quite lucky with mine.......I started off with ex-batts in the coop and other 2 free ranging and then all free ranging and then all in the coop.....that took about 1 week. Ex-batts were vicious to each other and then with the other two. They still have squabbles now esp Season who picks on Haystack the lowest of the pecking order. However I've been introducing the bantams to the 4 big girls and its the ex-batts that seem to get on with them (Cookie and Cole the Cockerel seem to be getting on really well......Cole just needs a ladder cos poor thing isn't really big enough to climb on...doesn't stop him trying tho ) and the other two that keep wanting to chase after them and peck ....it is getting better though. Like others have said the best thing is to have plenty of access to food. Have lots of containers of it around.. Hope it all goes well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
