Mollydog Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 I've got a flock which has become elderly and recently dwindled from 10 to 4 girls. I was thinking of adding some pullets but I was worried about bullying from the older girls. Has anyone done this or has any advice....all gratefully received.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 As long as you have a separate area for them. Ideally adjoining so they can see and get used to each other. After 2 weeks allow them to FR they will be two distinct flocks for some time. I have 5 big girls, slowly introduced 2 Millefleur Pekins,then slowly introduced Two Silkies. I now have 2 Laced Wyandottes in newbie part of run they are about 14 weeks and they sometimes escape into big girls area and there has not been too much bullying. Any problems they squeeze through the bars of the gate that separates the two areas. I think it is a big help if they can be alongside each other for a good length of time. I would suggest as long as poss. I haven't rushed intros and so far haven't had any major probs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 There is a sticky with advice here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 I used to be very much in the slow and steady introductions camp but now I have to admit that after quarantine, I usually free range newbies with my flock and they're fine; though I think it does help that we have a cockerel and Gerald the drake who usually sorts things out if there is any fighting. They will always squabble for a few days while they establish but as long as there is no blood drawn I tend to just keep an eye on them and let it settle. As you have 4 hens (down from 10) if you were to add another 4 pullets to the flock I think they would get on ok and with a bigger number they tend to get as bullied as with two which can be herded into a corner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollydog Posted July 16, 2015 Author Share Posted July 16, 2015 Thankyou all, I am picking up 5 new girls on Saturday. 3 Cotswold Legbars and 2 Burford browns. The breeder has suggested covering them all in vinegar, which also helps to integrate them........so I will keep you all posted...pics as soon as. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted July 16, 2015 Share Posted July 16, 2015 I don't think your hens will thank you for being covered in vinegar... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollydog Posted July 18, 2015 Author Share Posted July 18, 2015 Yeah I did wonder about whether they would be bothered by the vinegar. They have all settled well and apart from one escapee at bedtime(now recaptured) are now safe and snoring.....no vinegar required!. They are all in quarantine at the moment so not mixed with the other four, but they can see the others and I will gradually mix over the next few weeks. They are only 14 weeks old so they need to have growers pellets for a bit anyway so are not ready for the layers pellets. Very pretty and worth the long car journey for my rare breed babies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 Glad it's all going well . I think we definitely need to see some photos . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
