Unsecure chicken perches

[hens123]

About three weeks ago we introduced 5 new hybrids to our existing flock of 4 Marans and 1 ISA warren. To begin with, we seperated the new birds at night by putting them in the nesting box and placing a divide between them and the Marans. For the past two weeks, we stopped putting the divide in place and encouraged the new hens to roost in the eglu with the Marans. We ended up having to remove the Marans to allow the new hybrids access to the coop, because they we too nervous to enter on their own. Once the hybrids are in then the Marans are allowed back in. We are still having to do this on a nightly basis because the Marans are still terriorial towards the hybrids, with only one hybrid managing to roost on its own and hold its ground.

 

During the day, the Marans and hybrids remain in seperate flocks. To begin with there was a bit of inense bullying for a couple of days. We kept an eye on them and placed another feeder and drinker so that the hybrids always have access to food and water. The hybrids are becoming more brazent and competing for food along side the Marans, however the Marans can be territorial and chase them away.

 

We are worried that the introduction process is taking a bit longer then it should. Its getting a bit annoying having to go through the process of removing the Marans on a night time to allow the hybrids access. Any advice on how improve the situation would be greatly appreciated.

[Plum]

It can take a long time, keep going but sounds good so far. You'll find as the hybrids get towards laying they'll get a bit more assertive and things will settle down

[bostock422]

There's nothing else you can do apart from what you're doing, they'll settle down, don't worry