When your new birds are readyquarantine, it's time to introduce them to the pack. But the process of setting up a new onechopping orderscan be horrible to watch. Sometimes it is easy to add new chocolates. But all chicken keepers know that chickens can be mean, especially to new birds.
That's why it's so important to carefully introduce new birds into the flock. By creating the right environment, you can ensure a smooth transition for the new birds and prevent bullying.
Physical protection of new (or old) birds doesn't work - believe me, we've tried it. Except threegreat hacks, the pecking order should be determined naturally. A few fights are the normal result of new birds disrupting the social hierarchy of the flock.
But there are a few things you can do to make the introduction as civil as possible and avoid any bullying or bloodshed.
(:1f414:) How to introduce adult chickens to the flock
To ensure the smoothest possible introduction of adult birds into your flock, here are a few tips:
- No new colors
Chickens really choose birds that are different. In a mixed flock this is not so much of a problem, as birds are used to seeing different breeds and colors of chickens. But if you have an all-brown flock, don't introduce a lone white bird.
- Safety in numbers
Birds have strong friendships and often stick to their own kind. When introducing new birds to your flock, always introduce a few together. Not only will the new birds be happier, safety in numbers will usually prevent one bird from being targeted by the rest of the flock.
- Age matters (and size)
Age is important for chickens. Young birds are naturally lower in the pecking order. This can be used to your advantage if your pack is fairly lenient. Introducing young birds is not seen as a threat and therefore they will not be plucked so much as ignored. But they need a safe place with food and water if they get chased away from the main feeding area.
However, in flocks that are less friendly to newcomers, it is better to choose laying or egg-laying birds that are mature and can stand alone.
The same goes for size: don't introduce Pygmies to a large breed pack unless you know that the Pygmies are feisty and that your own pack is not prone to bullying!
- Look, don't touch
One of the best things you can do before introducing new birds is to allow them to stay within pecking distance of your flock for a few days or weeks. A separate coop just outside the garden or run is perfect. Avoid using the same fence for both coops as chickens will fight their way through the wire.
Since the birds can see each other without being able to fight, they tend to get used to each other. By the time the new birds are brought into the yard, everyone is so comfortable that establishing the pecking order requires little more than a few bloodless discussions.
- Place it out
There is always more bickering when chickens are confined to a small space, even in established flocks. For new birds it is even worse.
Introduce new birds to the flight, where there is plenty of room to escape bullies. Open the house as early as possible during the first few days. Hungry birds waiting to come out in the morning are most likely to cause problems.
- Provide distraction
Chickens are food-oriented. If there is a choice between plucking a fledgling and eating a tasty treat, most chickens will choose the treat. They will also choose foraging opportunities and chicken rides over bullying.
When introducing new birds to the flock, provide plenty of treats, chicken toys and foraging options. The new birds may be scared away from the fun, but if your flock is more interested in pecking themMealwormsor that cabbage on a string with the new birds, that can only be a good thing!
When should you intervene?
When introducing new chicks to the flock, it is usually best not to interfere. Ultimately, they will have to sort out the pecking order. As terrible as it seems, intervening can prolong or worsen the violence.
That said, there are three circ*mstances where you should intervene. You must take action if:
- There is an injury or bleeding
- A large group of chickens pluck one or two birds
- Some chickens do not have access to food or water
An injured bird should always be removed and treated. Do not return chickens to the coop until their injuries are no longer visible, as other birds will often peck at an injured chicken or peck at wounds and scabs.
If a large group of birds chooses one or two, the best option is to remove the bullied birds and try the introductions again. Next time it may help to use treats, toys and free range. Some users only introduce the new birds for about an hour at a time while monitoring over the course of a few days.
If chickens are chased away from food and water, place additional feeders and waterers throughout the farm. You can also use hay bales or plants to create shelters and provide food and water for the more timid birds.
If you need to intervene,here are some great hacks to bring peace to the chicken coop.
How to introduce chickens to the flock
Introducing chicks to an established flock is a little more complicated than with adult birds due to the difference in size and age.
In general, chicks should not be introduced until they are large enough to fend for themselves against mature adults. Once the chicks are old enough, you can follow the same procedure as for adult birds, ensuring the chicks are given a 'look, don't touch' introduction and given a refuge where they can access food and escape harassment .
However, the situation is very different if your chicks are raised by one of your own chickens.
Chicks with a mother hen
Some chicken keepers leave their incubators in the yard to raise their chicks in the flock from day one. This can be a risky proposition because certain roosters and hens will kill chicks.
Most chicken coops have a separate breeding pen where the chicks and their mother spend a few weeks before being released into the flock.
If the chicks have a mother hen willing and able to protect them, introduction should not require any intervention. In general, even chickens that are naturally low in the pecking order will still successfully terrorize any bird that makes one of their chicks squeal. However, it is important to keep an eye on your chicks first to make sure all is well.
It is not recommended to introduce a brand new chicken with chicks into your flock. She has enough to do raising chicks without having to figure out her place in the pecking order!
Do you want to know more?
- Learn how to effectively quarantine new birds
- Find out everything you need to understand the sequence of chopping the chicken
- Here's how to hack the pecking order if you want to get in on the action
Good luck with your chicken introductions! Happy chicken team!
Rachael has dinner at Chook Australia
