How long?

[Moony Moon]

I've just introduced another 5 girls to my established 7 girls.

Having lots of pecking and authority stamping moments on the new ladies, how long will this go for? Every night i get home the new girls are in the coop and i don't think they have been eating.

I am letting my originals round the garden for an hour or so to let the newbies eat, but with the dark nights heading in i am not going to be able to do this in a week or so.

Cheers

Dale

[Bephlam]

It really depends on the individual girls Dale. I always add new girls at night - just pop the newbies in the coup with the others when it's dark, and they're all settled for the night. Then, in the morning I let them all out as normal. I've done this forever and so far have had minimal bother - even introducing single girls (which is not a good idea, although I've had no bother).

If it's only mild bullying I wouldn't worry about it, however if they're drawing blood or causing the new girls major stress I'd separate them with some wire, etc to allow them all to see each other but not actually attack.

Things usually settle down in a week...or so.

Good luck!

[Glutton4...]

I'd suggest putting extra feeders and drinkers in, at opposite ends of their enclosure, so they stand more chance of getting their share. My 4 newest additions still won't eat or drink with the others, and I've had them since the end of July . Even now they wait until I throw their evening corn around, then the newbies head over to the feed and drink hoppers!

I had this with the previous additions too, until I got the last lot then the previous lot integrated. They're not under-weight, so I'm not worrying. Good luck with them.

ps - I'm sure I speak for us all, but we would like piccies!!!

[Moony Moon]

Thanks for the replies!

I've got the feeders spread around and they seem to be settling a little now. They are out and about a bit more.

I'll try sort some pictures out tonight!

[lettucegrow!]

This introduction of new girls sounds like hard work. I'm going to need my girls to settle a bit more after their drama before I attempt it. Oh well, longer to save up for the couple of ure breeds I really want.