[Nikki]

I rescue battery hens and have just attained another 7.  We have 3 old ones who don't want to let the newbies into the henhouse at night.  Do I leave them to 'peck it out' or is there another way?

[richyrich7]

Usually you have to introduce them over a week or so by keeping them in site of each other, but not together. Chicken intro's are supposed to be tricky as they will need to sort out pecking orders etc.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

[Nikki]

I have had chicks integrated before and they have been fine.  Its just these ones. I think that it is because before I have only introduced  2 or 3 at once and not 7! Maybe they feel threatened by the newbies.  Although they have all gone in tonight ok.  Phew and thanks for your input.

Usually you have to introduce them over a week or so by keeping them in site of each other, but not together. Chicken intro's are supposed to be tricky as they will need to sort out pecking orders etc.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

[MontyTom]

PUT THEM IN COOP TOGETHER AT NIGHT.  THEY WILL WAKE UP TOGETHER AND HOPEFULLY FORGET (WITH SHORT TERM MEMORY) THE OTHERS WERE NEVER THERE.  OF COURSE, THEY WILL PECK EACH OTHER A BIT, BUT IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH SPACE THEY CAN RUN AWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENS.  THEY SOON SORT IT OUT.  IF NOT MUCH SPACE, AS RICHIE MENTIONS, PUT MESH BETWEEN THEM FOR A WEEK OR SO, THEN TAKE IT OUT.  ALL THIS IS BASED ON WHAT I HAVE DONE WITH MY OWN FLOCK.  GOOD LUCK.

[Nikki]

They have all gone in tonight no problem.  I think that 'big girl' has sorted the problem. Do you find they are affectionate?  I have one that insists on a cuddle before bed! Weird I know but it seems to work.

PUT THEM IN COOP TOGETHER AT NIGHT.  THEY WILL WAKE UP TOGETHER AND HOPEFULLY FORGET (WITH SHORT TERM MEMORY) THE OTHERS WERE NEVER THERE.  OF COURSE, THEY WILL PECK EACH OTHER A BIT, BUT IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH SPACE THEY CAN RUN AWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENS.  THEY SOON SORT IT OUT.  IF NOT MUCH SPACE, AS RICHIE MENTIONS, PUT MESH BETWEEN THEM FOR A WEEK OR SO, THEN TAKE IT OUT.  ALL THIS IS BASED ON WHAT I HAVE DONE WITH MY OWN FLOCK.  GOOD LUCK.

[MontyTom]

no, just food mad. some let me handle them more than others but it aint 'love', trust me!  enjoy them.

[Nikki]

Big bird is obviously the leader and she's the one that jumps on me all the time. I don't think its food, I think its another part of the pecking order.  Do you keep them for food or enjoyment.  For me they are the equivalent of a comic act.  I just love them.  

no, just food mad. some let me handle them more than others but it aint 'love', trust me!  enjoy them.