Bully?

[proud-armywife]

i have 8 chickens. 6 are about 3 months old mixed flock, 2 are about 5-6 months old, one is a coronation sussex and the other a black silkie. The coronation sussex ( opal) runs after the chicks in the pen. She pecks, but does not attack. When I first let them out of the coop In the morning she seems a bit more bullyish. I keep my babies in the same coop but in a contained area safe from her just in case. I have come out at night a little late and they are snuggling in the corner of the coop, but I would be so sad if she hurt a baby. I digress.... As long as there isn't any blood is her "bullying" part of establishing the pecking order? The chicks move when she comes around... She does not puff up or show her hackles.., yet lol! Is this normal chicken behavior? Thanks guys for any advice!

 

[nchls school]

i have 8 chickens. 6 are about 3 months old mixed flock, 2 are about 5-6 months old, one is a coronation sussex and the other a black silkie. The coronation sussex ( opal) runs after the chicks in the pen. She pecks, but does not attack. When I first let them out of the coop In the morning she seems a bit more bullyish. I keep my babies in the same coop but in a contained area safe from her just in case. I have come out at night a little late and they are snuggling in the corner of the coop, but I would be so sad if she hurt a baby. I digress.... As long as there isn't any blood is her "bullying" part of establishing the pecking order? The chicks move when she comes around... She does not puff up or show her hackles.., yet lol! Is this normal chicken behavior? Thanks guys for any advice!

Establishing a pecking order is normal; just watch carefully so no one is injured. If the situation get too bad, consider separating the sussex until those that are 3 months old get larger.