clucker1 Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 Just tried introducing our 2 new chickens to our 4 existing omlet girls. We have had the new girls for nearly 4 weeks, they have been in the same wir separatley housed in a rabbit hutch. The newbies have been allowed out in the wir when the older girls have been free ranging. Just tried introducing the newbies when the oldies free ranging...the oldies came rushing over and one chicken went for one of the newbies by going on top of her and pecking her neck to draw a feather out. Think we did it at the wrong time of day as it is nearly their treat time. Thinking of repeating the exercise tomorrow earlier in the day. Is this the best way forward or any other suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted September 23, 2011 Author Share Posted September 23, 2011 forgot to mention it was only one chicken (Chelsea..as per the football team) in particular who was doing the attacking. One other had a very evil cross face, but the other 2 weren't that bothered. Incidentally, the one doing the attacking has been sitting on top of the newbies rabbit hutch pooing into the new girls water....I am sure she has been doing it on purpose!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 I always let do my introductions about half an hour before bedtime then build it up slowly. I find my girls are more chilled in the evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 I think we need photos of these new girls... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandychick Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 Sounds like you are doing everything right with the introductions A few squabbles are to be expected. Although it's not pleasent to watch, to an extent you might need to let them get on with it! I usually supervise armed with a water sprayer. You need to be a bit brave about it and not intervene to soon, but if it looks like blood might be drawn, then a blast of water will break up the fight. I have always found it all settles down after the first hour of all meeting each other, but the squabbles will continue until they all know their place.......then eventually calm prevails and they look like the've been friends for years. I'm going to start some free range introductions again next week, can't say I'm looking forward to it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted September 23, 2011 Author Share Posted September 23, 2011 Will get some pics tomorrow. Also, will out my brave head on armed with one of my kids water pistols. Second thoughts, I will let my 9 year old son do the water pistol bit. He was most put out this pm with his own chicken, Chelsea who was doing the attacking and chased her round the garden telling her she was naughty!! Thanks for your help...will report back tomorrow evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henergy Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 Just take it slowly. I put mine together after two weeks for half an hour at a time. I did that for a week & then had a week where they ranged together for longer periods but slept separate.Then one night I found them all snuggled together in one coop so assumed at that point that they were friends Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted September 23, 2011 Author Share Posted September 23, 2011 Thanks for that, wish me luck...think I will need it. Any ideas how to separate the new ones from the old when I call them in after a fr session. When I shout girlies at them, they all come running for treats. Then there might be a major s"Ooops, word censored!" for the kitchen left overs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted September 24, 2011 Author Share Posted September 24, 2011 Well, firstly apologies..no pics yet, a job for tomorrow. Did an hour of free ranging which was very calm...a few niggles but nothing too bad. Was armed with my water gun..will repeat the exercise tomorrow...so fingers crossed. Thank you everyone for your support and help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
