I'm at the end of my rope.

[EmmaDonovan]

I do not know how we ended up with a flock that hates each other. I didn't even know that was possible. It's awful. I'm about done.

We have built a larger, relocated run. It is brand new/neutral ground/toys/clutter for all of them. This is the 4th run we have built for them in 13 months.

There are twelve hens. They are split into three groups. We want to give them one more chance and move them into the new run.

QUESTION What is the best way to move the groups into the new run to maximize the chance they will coexist?

 

[WingItRanch]

Oh boy. Sounds like you're stressed. I do have a bit of advice.. try to discombobulate them. For example, put them all in the new big run together at the same time with lots of new things like clutter to hide behind.

A brand new place with new distractions at the same time as intigration might work in your favor. And then just let them work it out. There will be pecking order fights but try not to intervene unless there is serious injury. The clutter is key to allowing the lowest in pecking order to get away.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I do not know how we ended up with a flock that hates each other. I didn't even know that was possible. It's awful. I'm about done.

We have built a larger, relocated run. It is brand new/neutral ground/toys/clutter for all of them. This is the 4th run we have built for them in 13 months.

There are twelve hens. They are split into three groups. We want to give them one more chance and move them into the new run.

QUESTION What is the best way to move the groups into the new run to maximize the chance they will coexist?

Hmmm, if they are 3 separate groups, maybe put 1 member from each group in at a time and leave them for a while, see if they make new friends. Where they all raised together or different ages? Is it one particular group causing issues? My flock definitely has it's clicks, but for the most part there are no major issues. I did have 2 bully hens; they have found a new home, and it made things much more peaceful.

 

[Mrs. K]

Instead of throwing in the towel, throw out some of them. I would sell a couple of meanest ones, and see if that doesn't help.

 

[SkyAJK]

I do not know how we ended up with a flock that hates each other. I didn't even know that was possible. It's awful. I'm about done.

We have built a larger, relocated run. It is brand new/neutral ground/toys/clutter for all of them. This is the 4th run we have built for them in 13 months.

There are twelve hens. They are split into three groups. We want to give them one more chance and move them into the new run.

QUESTION What is the best way to move the groups into the new run to maximize the chance they will coexist?

OMG! I feel your stress of the NOT harmonious flock!

I have 2 runs, 2 coops and 2 dog travel boxes all housing 9 chickens at night. And most are pecking at each other in the coop every night. 1 big bully think she is the rooster that I work very hard to keep her separated during the day.....I am so stress like you.

My problem is that half of my flock is from unwanted chickens, individually. Then the hatching of different time..etc.. I remind myself that next time I will get the whole flock at the same time, not individually...but that is easy say than done.

I hope you find a solution.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

We got everyone at the same time. They grew up together.

 

[FunnyBunny89]

Instead of throwing in the towel, throw out some of them. I would sell a couple of meanest ones, and see if that doesn't help.

This is what I did. I had two hens who were always picking fights so I found them new homes. Made all the difference!

 

[SkyAJK]

We got everyone at the same time. They grew up together.

Now I know all together also does not always work.

 

[Down Under]

Are they all the same breed or are you keeping different breeds together?

 

[EmmaDonovan]

Different.