•2 min read•from chickens
Will they ever be friends?
Our take
Introducing the delightful dilemma of chicken camaraderie! Meet my adorable seven-week-old Sussex chickens—one charming male and three lovely females, who have stolen my heart. Recently, I welcomed two new feathered friends: a Bielefelder and a Pekin bantam, both around five to six weeks old. Despite being told that young chickens would bond quickly, I’ve faced quite the challenge! While the newbies are currently safe in a separate cage, their first encounter with the older hens was a bit of a fowl fiasco, with bullying and pecking that left me worried. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this pecking order predicament, as I’m deeply attached to all my chickens and want everyone to live in harmony! Cluck-tastic tips are greatly appreciated!
| | These are my 7 week old Sussex chickens. I absolutely adore them. 1 male and 3 females. Last week I picked up 2 new girls and was told because they’re young, it won’t be a problem to miss them straight away. Boy was I told wrong! My two new girls are a Bielefelder and a Pekin bantam who are about 5/6 weeks old, they get on just fine. They’re in the same coop as the other 4 but in a separate cage, so they can see each other all day but cannot physically touch each other. Today I let them share the same space and they basically got bullied by the older 4, hardcore pecking and cornering them etc (which I have read can be normal but it’s still so distressing for them) I have been advised to keep the situation as it is and then randomly put the 2 newbies in the with other 4 at nighttime when they’re “calm” and then hopefully they will be accepted. Some tips or advice is needed because I’m really attached to all my chickens and would hate for something bad to happen! [link] [comments] |
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#chickens#fear of chickens#Sussex chickens#Bielefelder#Pekin bantam#coop#bullying#male#females#pecking#acceptance#separate cage#cornering#calm#integration#newbies#distressing#space sharing#group dynamics#advice