Pullets and existing ex batts

[tlck9]

Hi guys, I took the plunge this weekend and bought 4 new 17 week old pullets. I have 6 chucks approx 2 years old.

So far the young ones have been pushed in the corner and took a beating, so I've separated them into a coop and run within the main coop. Separated by wire so they can see each other while they get used to the new additions and the youngsters get some more confidence

Souffle is a calm hybrid and I've been slowly introducing her to the young ones so they get used to bigger older chickens

Am I doing the right thing? I felt that leaving them to get beaten up would undermine their confidence being so young

[Suechooks]

I always keep mine separate but nearby for several weeks - not least to ensure that the new ones don't bring any illnesses in with them. The stress of a move can activate viruses/illnesses which are dormant which could then be passed on to your old girls. It then gives the girls time to get used to the new ones. However there will still be some bullying paticularly from the lower order chooks, just to establish the new pecking order. As long as there is no blood shed they'll sort themselves out
I also put Respite in the water for a week as this will treat any sneezy sniffly symptoms.
When I finally put them together i do it at night and I powder them all (old and new) with louse powder so they all smell the same and they get their regular dusting at the same time.

[tlck9]

Thanks Sue, I thought I would have the problem with the top chucks, but you are so right, my lower orders, Rosy and CluckCluck are absolutely evil to them and the noise.

The peace and quiet on the allotment has been shattered by my ex batts, they are none too happy. But will have to get used.

I will try and find this respite, havent see that, but i have some seaweed supplement I have put in their water

[Suechooks]

Several of the poultry online suppliers do Respite - I know Ascott do and probably Wells and maybe Flytes of Fancy. Its a garlic based supplement with ACV and lots of other stuff and absolutely stinks but has always worked for my birds.
The lower order girls are usually the ones feeling threatened by any new ones - top girls are top and that's that!!
Good luck

[baldrick]

Thanks Sue, I thought I would have the problem with the top chucks, but you are so right, my lower orders, Rosy and CluckCluck are absolutely evil to them and the noise.

The peace and quiet on the allotment has been shattered by my ex batts, they are none too happy. But will have to get used.

I will try and find this respite, havent see that, but i have some seaweed supplement I have put in their water

yep, same with low ranking dogs and with middle management. Those with real authority rarely need to remind newbies and underlings harshly, its the no marks that rule with a rod of iron!!! They have the most to lose!

[tlck9]

Well they are settling in well, no sniffles so far, fingers crossed. They are doing well and getting more confident which is good. My friend has lent me a dog pen so they can be kept on the grass while I'm there out of the grasp of the elders

[Suechooks]

Thats good news Tick9!

[tlck9]

better news still is that one of my little un's is laying!!!