Coop chaos between Hens and 11 week old chicks

[ThistleN]

We have been letting our chicks and hens mingle together for the last few weeks and they have done great except when it comes to bed time... the chicks seem to go in first and get all settled on the roost then when the hens come in the chicks freak out and leave the coop, after about 10 minutes they attempt to go back in but are either too scared or aren't sure where to go? They just end up laying on the floor at the entrance of the coop. For the last week or so we have had to go out every night and place them on the roost.. will they eventually sort this out amongst themselves?

 

[centrarchid]

Can you provide additional roosting space? Additionally, you might be able to take advantage of the existing size disparity. Place roost close enough to a wall making it difficult for adults to roost on, but suitable for 11-week olds.

 

[aart]

Separate and lower roosts work great for youngsters in the flock.
Pics of your coop showing roosts might help garner some viable suggestions.

 

[ThistleN]

Separate and lower roosts work great for youngsters in the flock.
Pics of your coop showing roosts might help garner some viable suggestions.

I'll take some pictures today

 

[ThistleN]

Picture of the coop and roosting bars

 

[aart]

How many chicks and how many hens?
Looks like tight quarters.

 

[ThistleN]

How many chicks and how many hens?
Looks like tight quarters.

4 chickens and 4 chick's. We have had 8 chickens in there before and never had an issue.

 

[rosemarythyme]

8 established birds in a flock might not have issue, but integrating new birds takes more space. Your hens clearly aren't appreciating new roommates.

I was going to suggest trying dividers on the roost (with older birds on one side, younger on the other) but don't know if there's space for it.