JM Posted July 31, 2011 Share Posted July 31, 2011 The new girls came last Monday - they are sleeping in a separate area from the older ones, and have a separate ranging area. I let them all roam together on Friday, which went very well - apart from a few squabbles. Then I've let them roam together yesterday and today, and mostly it goes quite calmly, with the two sets of chooks working separately. There are a few squabbles though (normally when I appear as they all know that I am the food person!!) - which now appear mainly to be the older ones giving the newbies a quick chase and a peck or feather pull to remind them who is boss. However, one of the things that the older girls do occasionally is to jump on the new ones and grab their combs or feathers. No blood is drawn and I think it looks worse than it actually is, but - am I right in thinking that this is normal 'sorting the pecking order' behaviour? The newbies immediately go back to scratching and pecking once the older ones leave them alone... My neighbour came round earlier to see the new ones, and was horrified to see Bunty and Daphne jumping on Freda!! How long does it normally take for them to accept each other. My plan is to let them roam together until they seem OK, then shut up the newbies sleeping area so that they all go into the cube and run. Am I moving too quickly in letting them roam together now? Thanks Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 31, 2011 Share Posted July 31, 2011 What you describe is normal dominant behaviour, and often looks much worse than it is. Sounds as if things are going well. I'd be guided by their behaviour, and step it down a gear if things seem to deteriorate. They say that hens will integrate in 3 weeks if you do it slowly and in 21 days if you pitch them in together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JM Posted July 31, 2011 Author Share Posted July 31, 2011 Wow that was quick - thanks! I feel that they are improving each time they get together, but it's good to know that I'm reading the situation correctly Only 2 weeks to go then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
