Do I need more patience, cuz it's NOT working?!?!

There must be parts we can't see.

Try this, the rooster needs to go. Then, let the hens out to free range, so to speak, put the chicks where you want them to be in the hen set up. This will allow them to explore the area and get comfortable in the area without being harassed. Do add a couple of feed stations, but while the chicks are in there, feed along the fence. Put the hens, where you had the chicks.

Next add one hen to the chicks, yes she will chase them, but if you have a few hideouts, and there are more chicks, this game will soon wear out - say 3-4 days, at that time, add one more hen. Now, of the pair of hens left, one might be easier if so use that one. A squirt gun can kind of discourage any tag teaming, and then last add the last bird.

The other solution, that actually might work best, is pin-less peepers on the hens, have them wear them for a month, and by then it should be a go.

Mrs K
THANK YOU!!! I already considered keeping a squirt bottle handy...I'll add it to the repertoire 😁
I'll start trying one hen at a time (again) and see if I get better results this time.
 
I agree, get rid of that cockerel. If you are not going to keep him I don't see any benefit to keeping him any longer than you have to.

Your hens are adults, your 12 week old pullets are still immature. Until my pullets mature enough to make their way in the pecking order (typically around the time they start to lay) they form a sub-flock and avoid the adults as much as they can. It sounds like you are trying to force them to be together. Stop that. Give them as much room as you can so they can avoid the hens day and night. If they want to sleep somewhere other than with the hens, let them. As long as they are not sleeping in my nests and are somewhere predator proof I don't care where they sleep.

When they mature the violence should stop. They may all form one close-knit cohesive flock or they may continue to stay in cliques. As long as it is peaceful , what difference does it make?
 
Chickens do form family groups with their hatchmates, sometimes for a long time. It's normal!
Get rid of that cockerel, he's not helping, and you want him gone anyway.
If there's space to be out of sight of each other, and multiple food and water stations in different areas, and no injuries, just see how it goes. Pinless peepers aren't a bad idea either, for a short time anyway.
Currently I have my adult flock, who are two separate groups, each with their own rooster, a third 'odd man out' rooster, and two sets of chicks. The ten week old straight run chicks stay together, and harass the seven week old pullets, but no injuries, and they have space. The cockerels are starting to crow, which is hilarious!
When all but two or three of the cockerels are gone, and some of the extra pullets, things will be more peaceful here. Importantly, no injuries here, or other steps would be taken.
Mary
 
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