Graham0602 Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Have 3 "old" chooks who are nearly a year old now and they lived in their Eglu Classic Got 3 new chooks about 6 weeks ago and they have been living in the new Cube. Have been letting them FR together and get to know each other regularly. A few pecking incidents, some dealt with by the kid's "Super Soaker" but nothing too bad Last nite decided it was the night to move them all in together in the Cube . Overnight was fine, but today a flippin nightmare. Three newbies cowering in the corner of the run and getting pecked every time they move. Also being prevented from gettin anywhere near the food despite me putting 3 separate lots of food in there. Let them all out earlier to FR just so the newbies could de-stress, but when I sent them all home WW3 broke out - no amount of water pistolling will persuade the oldies to play nicely (even though they know exactly what I am gonna do and why). Sooooooooooooooooo. How long should I leave this situation before I consider moving them back into separate accomodation ???? Cheers G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Have you tried putting some perches etc for the newbies to escape to? We have a few different levels which always makes introductions easier. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 How old are you new ones, perhaps they are not mature yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham0602 Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 new ones are about 24 weeks. Have all been laying for about a week. Have decided that am gonna separate them again tomorrow, can't bear seeing them being bullied like this G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Perhaps sleep together and apart in day for a week or so Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurmurf Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Perhaps if it's a situation that needs a decision then it's not the right time yet? In my experience the chooks chose their integration time, not me. I waited it out until they formed an inclusive flock and did so by doing lots of free ranging side by side, then together but with separate living areas. When they were ready they voted with their feet. mostin, queen of the intros, will surely say the same thing. Her chooks always chose for themselves - sometimes sooner than she expected! In my case it was slow and steady and took months but then there was no bullying, pecking or upset. Good luck with the separate quarters, i think it's the right way to go and you WILL get them integrated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Sprinkle corn on the floor to encourage them to get used to eating together. When they see that there is enough for everyone, peace will break out. (Eventually). I often use the divide and conquer method and have found it successfull. Put a different one of the old girls in with the new ones, and change them about every day for a week or so. It will confuse them, and when the old ones don't have their henchwomen to back them up, and find themselves outnumbered, it can teach them some manners. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham0602 Posted March 28, 2011 Author Share Posted March 28, 2011 Thanks for all the excellent advice. Much appreciated For the moment they are back in separate accomodation and peace has broken out again. Not had chance to let them FR today, but will let them tomorrow and let things progress naturally Cheers G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
