Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[bbehr27]

Just taken delivery of 6 chickens aged from 12 to 18 weeks. Large Buff Orpington is in charge, but second ranking Gold Lace Orpington is pecking everyone in sight. Pecked a little sultan so bad that had to remove her as her foot was bleeding. Little Sultan sat quietly inside now in cat basket after nice warm bath. Chocolate Orpington Bantum is scared out of its wits! What a nightmare... never thought keeping chickens would be like this.

Question: When will they settlle down and stop fighting?

[scarlettohara]

Can you separate them into different groups - as you have different ages and sizes that may be part of the problem.

[bbehr27]

I will give this a try. I was hoping they might settle down better once they can free range around the garden. The breeder said we should leave them in the house and run for a couple of days until they get used to their new surroundings.

[migsy]

Can you separate them into different groups - as you have different ages and sizes that may be part of the problem.

 

I agree with scarletohara. Free ranging might be ok but it could be several weeks before they can live in the same run together.

[Janty]

I had huge bullying problems between my bantams and larger girls in the early days. I had to separate them and do intros. They are fine now but I nearly lost my little Popcorn through bullying in the first week.

[bbehr27]

Thank you. I've solved the problem now. The breeder I bought the chickens from offered to take the bully back. Peace reigns now in the coop and all seems to be going well. Millie the buff orp is in charge but leads in a very gentle way which makes all the others feel totally at ease. The bantum chocolate orp thinks it marvellous now as she can feed in peace without being bullied. Looking forward to their first taste of free ranging this weekend!

[Plum]

Great news sound a lovely mix of girls

[Mollie333]

Glad everythings OK