clucky chicken Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Hi all - was wondering if anyone had any avice on introducing a new chicken to my existing three - have read the topic on introductions but things don't seem to be going at all well! We've had Hettie for a week and keep her seperate to the others but next door in another run. The three I have already are quite intimidating and I have done everything suggested like putting treats down between them to encourge them to eat together but they all still gang up on her - she is such a cutie and won't fight just runs away and hides... Have also tried to get them to free range together but the same thing happens = they all peck her and are pulling out her feathers - they constanttly chase her also. What can I do next? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Try pairing her off with one of them for a couple of days, and then putting them together during the day. If she has an ally she might manage better. Putting 'refuges' for her to escape to, like a few evergreen branches will give her some respite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Don't give up, I've had my new girls for about 12 weeks and have been trying to introduce them for about 8 weeks. Today was the first time they all Fr together without any feather pulling or the new hens going to hide. It does take time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 I agree with Egluntyne, I had a similar situation with one of my intros, so paired with an existing girl. Although, I would try and vary the existing girl to the new girl every couple of days, starting with your most reliable friendly girl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kit Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 I introduced 1:6 in the Summer and it took just over 2 weeks. The 1 on her own had been bullied previously in another flock (my friend's) and I decided to be extra cautious. For 2 weeks she lived on her own in an eglu and run extension just outside the WIR. The existing flock free ranged around her and with all treats scattered around the eglu. Occasionally during the latter few days I left the door of the eglu run opened for 10 mins or so that they could come and go as they pleased. One night Cilla decided she was sleeping in the cube and that was that. Now she is mid way up the ranks and fully integrated. Good luck it just takes time Kit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie65 Posted September 12, 2010 Share Posted September 12, 2010 I've now had my 2 new chickens for 4 weeks and they are just about settled in with the 2 older ones. There is a little bit of pecking but not like the first week. In fact Roxy (older one) and Constance (new) were snuggled up together sunbathing today. Very cute! Good luck - it is horrible when you see them pecked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
