Are chickens bonded?

[Trv]

Hi, I got 2 pullets a few months ago, 1 amber link and 1 isabrown. They were not together when I bought them, but have gotten along since day 1, no issues. Now I’m trying to introduce 5 chicks (8-9 week old). The isabrown is super mellow and doesn’t care about the chicks. The amberlink is a butthead and keeps attacking the littles. They have been around each other for a couple weeks, in a big pen or free range they are fine as they just separate, but when in the smaller coop the white one does not like the chicks. So long story short, my question is, can I get rid of my older white girl without the other hen being sad? I don’t know if they are bonded or just don’t mind each other. But I hate seeing my chicks terrified to be around her.

 

[azygous]

The chicks will get over it. The bond between the two older ones is not the only bond. The chicks also are bonded to one another as a unit, and this imbues them with self confidence. They also enjoy outnumbering the two older ones, and the older ones are well aware of this.

What you are seeing is the natural gratuitous aggression from an older but still immature chicken and the natural intimidation younger birds experience when confronted with older birds. They will work it out in short order.

Peace in a new flock is elusive at first. Be patient. Just assure there is plenty of space and no dead ends where a small chick can get cornered and hurt because the run is too small with no escapes or cover.