About 2 weeks ago I introduced 2 new pullets. They have been staying separate from the main group but there have been no problems. This morning one of them had been pecked to death some time between dark last night and this morning. Why would they have done this now after all this time? They have plenty of room in the pen and in the run and they also have free range time for a few hours a day. Is there a better way to add new comers or is this just the chance you take?
Caren
Pecked to death...
Hi Caren: Sorry about your loss. Often times it has to do with the breeds that are being mixed. Also the age at which you introduce them. Some breed are much more aggressive than others and some breed are very meek and won't defend themselves. I hardly ever introduced new commers unless it was daytime where I could spend my day with them and watch how they interacted. Some old hens can be really mean...Most seem to introduce at night but daytime worked better for me...Haystack
I do daytime to,I have two faveroles that I had to keep introducing to the flock,they were so meek it took a long time for them to be accepted and they are still on the bottom of the pecking order.
We had a guinea pecked to death, but it was because she had an injury. The blue stuff didn't work. We kept her separated until it appeared she had healed, but apparently we didn't wait long enough. Poor thing. Sorry for your loss!
I hate introducing new Araucana to my pens. They are viscious to the new ones
I still have the other one of out of the main pen. Im going to wait till she gets a bit bigger. I have her out with the the group when they are free ranging and she stays out on the sidelines but there doesn't seem to be a problem. Maybe they just didn't like the blue hen?? What ever the reason was Im going to wait till they are larger and I will try to introduce several at a time instead of just 2. Maybe that will give them a fighting chance.
Thank you all for your help and comments!
Caren
Yes, groups of newbies do much better than a few individuals.
I hate introducing new ones.. Once I get a good group, I like it quiet and peaceful... I don't envy you Caren!