I don't know...competition maybe? One of our sweet little hens turned into a murderous thug toward anyone lower in the pecking order. She did okay while free ranging, so she ended up moving to a farm in Eastern WA.
I've read that roosters are generally really good with chicks - it's the hens you have to watch! Our chicks are in the run for the day - separated - and our two 1 year old banties couldn't care less. They did look the chicks food and treats over with interest, but that was it. Surprised me...
n8tivetxn, thank you for your service.
Glad I found this thread. We're in Western WA as well and I was just trying to decide what to do about our huge chicks on this cool day. Guess they'll have a big day out :)