My friend Jackie has had her two new girls for a week now and I arranged with her to pay them a visit. Jackie has had them separated by the divider in her run but able to see and hear each other at all times. She was ready to let them have some time together but despite having done this twice before was a bit nervous so decided to wait for my visit to give her some moral support.
Jackie lifted the divider up and the two old girls went straight into the half with the two new girls. There were a few light pecks but nothing too bad and the two new girls quickly got the hang of getting out of the way.
We went inside to watch them through the patio doors. I stayed for about an hour and we both felt it had gone very well. It went much better than when I integrated my new girls and we both agreed that not rushing it seems to really help it along.
Jackie decided that as it was only an hour until bedtime she would leave them together for the rest of the day. I think it went really well and am sure they will soon all be fine together.
Willow and Shadow stay close together
Bonnie gently moves Shadow and Willow along
I shall look forward to an update from Jackie to see if they spend the night together.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
Well although there was not a lot of pecking the new girls decided to go into the coup at 3.45 and stay there knowing they were safe .. So the divider came down and they were separated again and Shadow and Willow came running out for a last hour of peace and quite.. My OH’s comments as soon as he came in from work was “Do we still have 4 chickens?” We repeat tomorrow . Patience is the key. 🙂
Thanks for the update. I am sure you are right, it just needs patience. It was very good for a first day though and I am sure it won’t be too long before there is harmony.