Unsecure chicken perches

[JB09]

So I am at the stage with introductions where the girls are all free ranging together without problems. This is a fairly new development as previously there was a bit of chasing and pecking - nothing serious.

 

My newbie is living in a sectioned off part of the run and seems comfortable around the older girls when their is something dividing them. When free ranging she is getting more confident but tends to keep her distance a bit more.

 

I feel I am coming to the stage when I will be able to merge them but if truth be told I'm nervous about it. This is my first intros and I have been taking things slowly. I'm worried if they decide to pick on my new girl she will have know where to escape. How successfull is anti peck spray to use as a precaution?

 

JB

[The Dogmother]

Having just one newbie is always harder, but try popping her into the housing at night when they are all asleep, then getting up early to let them all out.

 

When you let them out to free range together, be sure to double up on the food and water stations, and to prop some evergreen branches in a corner for her to hide behind.

 

Good luck

[JB09]

Do you think using anti peck spray as a precaution will deter any pecking

[The Dogmother]

Some seem to have success with those, others don't. I'd wait to see if ther are any problems first and make sure you're around when you let them out together.

 

Spray them all with vinegar masks the newbies smell and makes them all smell the same.

 

Have you seen the intros thread in the FAQ section?

[Plum]

When I got to that stage I put them together at night as Claret said then first thing seperated them back into own section of run in the morning for a week or so. I could probably have done it sooner. Best of luck, sounds like you are doing well Oh and I sprayed them with antipeck spray before going in the cube but don't think it did anything.

[Plum]

Sorry, plus it helped in the run to put branches, pots etc for new ones to jump out of the way if they got pecked once they were in together.