bigger chicks picking on smaller chicks

[snkjohnson]

I have four 5 week old chicks that I got as babies. Yesterday I was picking up feed and was offered three more chicks for free with my purchase (getting older and they're trying to get rid of them I suppose). They must have looked a lot bigger in their small brooder at the store because when I got them home, they are actually quite a bit smaller than my four chicks. I'd say a week or two smaller. The 3 newbies are getting picked on by the older ones and have just been huddled together in a corner; they don't seem to be eating or drinking.

Any advice? Just let them figure it out or should I separate them? Eventually they'll all need to be together and will be introduced to my flock (eight 9-month old hens), so if I don't have to separate them I don't want to. But I also need them to eat and it's sad to see them so picked on.

I'd love thoughts from all you experts; thanks in advance!

 

[CatWhisperer]

Can you separate them with chicken wire or hardware cloth? That way they can safely get to know each other.

 

[xanthea92]

This may not work for you, but when i hatched eggs the other day, one egg took a long time and needed help, so he is a lot smaller than the other chicks. When i put him in they all ganged up on him. I took him out and left it a day, then took all the chicks out of the brooder and put the smaller one in by itself. I then put the chicks back in 2 min intervals one by one. They didn't pick on him after that.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Best option at this point is either a second brooder, or a barrier, preferably see through, to divide the brooder (assuming it's roomy enough). If you can divide the brooder then they can see and get used to each other without risking the little ones getting hurt by the bigger ones.

 

[snkjohnson]

Best option at this point is either a second brooder, or a barrier, preferably see through, to divide the brooder (assuming it's roomy enough). If you can divide the brooder then they can see and get used to each other without risking the little ones getting hurt by the bigger ones.

Thanks! I've put an old window screen to separate them within the brooder...how long should I leave them separated? The bigger chicks just got their space cut in half, I'm sure they'll love that lol!

 

[snkjohnson]

Can you separate them with chicken wire or hardware cloth? That way they can safely get to know each other.

Thanks! I've put an old window screen to separate them within the brooder...how long should I leave them separated? The bigger chicks just got their space cut in half, I'm sure they'll love that lol!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks! I've put an old window screen to separate them within the brooder...how long should I leave them separated? The bigger chicks just got their space cut in half, I'm sure they'll love that lol!

I'd watch their behavior for a few days and decide from there. If they stop trying to "get at" the little ones, you can take it down for a little bit and see how they interact with each other.