New Cockeral v's Old Hen

[senna]

Hi, I purchased my new Cockeral at the weekend, a splendid looking Welsumer now called Elvis approx 10 mths old. He seem's a bit on the nervous side and I know it's early day's but he is being a bit bullied by one of my older original Loman brown hen's, who was obviously in charge before his arrival, even though I didn't realise she was the boss. Will this settle down and he will take charge or will I need to intervene to sort this out. Regards, Senna

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Senna,if it is slight,and she isn't permanently harrassing him,preventing him from eating and drinking etc. I would expect it to sort out,with him in charge.
If you're not sure,seperate him with one of your non-bullying hens,let them get to be friends then introduce both of them back to the original flock.
Sue suggested this method,to use when I needed to introduce a single hen,and it worked very well.

 

[Anonymous]

I have seperated a friendly hen with a new hen and once they are getting on put them both in with the others and does seem to work well. having said that if they are not bullying to much then its better to try and leave them as they need to sort out there pecking order. just keep an eye on them and maybe put extra food and drink in far apart so if the boss hen is guarding the food there is still some he can get to. good luck