adwil21
Songster
I tried integrating last night during free range and it did not go well at all. Mine are also 7 weeks. They have been in the run together but separated for a couple weeks and they had been out in the playpen on the grass for a few days where the big girls could have jumped in at any time. Zero signs of aggression. Then one of the big girls got into the pen with the littles and everything was fine. We opened up the pen and my barred rock attacked the littles every chance she got. Very taken back and surprised by her behavior. For some reason that made my big girls all fight with each other as well. Not a good day@BY Bob you might.. or might not appreciate this... I tried integrating the 3Cs today... it did not go well!! They were attacked from every angle!
To my disappointment... my darling new group... Minnie, Daisy, Betty, and Wilma... were the WORST!!!!! This was in fact the worst integration I’ve ever experienced!! I mean, they were sought out! Not just a random peck if one got too close... NO, all out assault!
I was chasing chickens... defending and offending!! It was pretty bad.. I usually integrate at seven weeks... and things usually go quite well as they are still small enough as to not pose a threat but big enough to get away... well, this time I feel they are actually too small to fend off these attacks.. I may have to wait a few more weeks! Uuuggghhh!! Chickens!! Why do they have to be so vicious at times!!