[Madrat]

How long dose it take for old and new chickens to stop squabbling?

We have 3 x battery hens and 2 cuckoo leghorns now 13 weeks old, they have been together in the garden but in separate roosts since they were 8 weeks old and started roosting together for the past 2 weeks, there is some squabbling in the roost but it is slowly getting better, in the run it can get quite brutal at times, but in the garden the are fine.  How long before they all settle down???

[Lindeggs]

They may never settle down!  Or the squabbling may come and go.

All my pullets were hatched and raised together but they still have the occasional squabble, especially at roosting time in the evening.  They all like to sleep next to their same-breed sister (I have three pairs). If someone of a different breed tries to sit between them, the imposter will get a peck on the head that makes her squeak!

Also if there are treats being offered the Chief Chook (a Light Sussex) will peck the bottom-of-the-heap Barred Rock if she tries to eat any of the treat food.

[bantam novice]

Squabbling about pecking order can get quite brutal until one hen establishes herself as top hen.  Once the order is established the squabbling should reduce.  You need to keep purple spray (yes it is called that though it is actually gentian violet) handy in case you see any red areas/blood as chickens will keep pecking at it.  The purple disguises the colour and the spray also acts as an antiseptic to help with healing.