18 wk old won't let 8 wk old chicks in coop

[katssmilin]

I just introduced 3 8 wk old chicks to my existing 2 18 wk old chickens. For 2 weeks they were side by side in a divided coop to get used to each other. We took the divider down 3 days ago and the one 18 week old will not let the chicks in the coop at night. Every time they try to go inside she chases them out. They spend the night out in the run. How can I remedy this? The run is enclosed so I don't worry about predators but I would prefer them to be in the coop at night. There is plenty of room in the coop and I don't understand why she is chasing them out. The 18 wk olds are a mix breed and the chicks are 2 orphinton and 1 australorpe. Any suggestions on how to stop this behavior? Winter is just around the corner and they need to be in the coop at night. Thanks for your time and advice.
Kathy

 

[IceAngel]

This is an ongoing problem for me as well because I have new batches every week. So I will be watching your thread for suggestions.

Since you are only dealing with small numbers, can you put the 18 weekers in a box in the evening just until the younger chicks have roosted, and then let them free to get in the coop after them? Once they are roosted it might be harder to dislodge them. Maybe the younger ones will get the idea that if they get in the coop before the older ones they are home free.

I finally gave up moving my younger guys into the coop after dark each night. I made mini coops out of pallets for all the new flocks. I am going to post some pictures of the pallet houses in my "Stupid Questions" thread later tonight or tomorrow morning.

While they all have different roosts, my flocks free run together during the day so they are not total strangers but there is lots of room to run away from the bullies. Come freeze up my flocks will be similar in size and one early winter morning they are all going to find themselves relocated into my large, heated coop. I was thinking if all the chickens are new to the large coop, they won't know who might have been there first and it will make the transition easier than if someone was defending their home turf. I won't know if this works until this winter.

Regardless they have to get used to the pecking order and learn to get along before freeze up. I will be watching closely for anyone that is getting harassed too much ......and the ones that are doing most of the bullying. Those will find themselves in the freezer.

 

[katssmilin]

The little ones have gone in before the big ones and when the big ones come in they chase them out. Even after the big ones have roosted they watch and when the little ones come in they fly down and chase them out then go back up to roost. I don't want to traumatize the little ones by scooping them up and putting them in after the big ones go to sleep. I'm glad to know that I am not the only one with this problem.
thanks
Kat