Two weeks after picking up our 3 ex-bats, I decided to try putting the stronger one of them in with my other 3 chooks - they have separate runs along side each other. The ex-bat is always parading up and down looking eagerly in at her neighbouring chooks and she seems quite strong and well in herself. Unfortunately within minutes of putting her in, 2 of my chooks gave her a good hiding and the poor old girl did nothing to stand up for herself.
I knew there'd be a few ruffled feathers, but wasn't prepared for the severity of the attack on her (especially as my chooks are normally quite placid and are very tame!) and it was upsetting to see her being picked on and desparately pushing herself against the netting to try to get back to her own run! So after only 2 minutes she was put back into the safety of her own home!
I'm now quite worried about integrating all 6 chickens. My first line of thought was to introduce the ex-bats gradually to get my 3 chooks used to the idea, but maybe I should wait a few more weeks until the ex-bats are up to full strength and have gained a bit of confidence and then introduce all of them at once? I know there will be 'feathers flying', but at least it would be an even battle this time and hopefully by then they'll start fighting back!
Someone has suggested that maybe I'll never be able to integrate them and will have to keep the ex-bats separate. Would be grateful for any advice!