I have read several post on this and sorry to add another one, but i need help. I have 9 Rhode Island Reds that are a little over a year old. I am adding 4 Easter Eggers to the flock that are about 9 weeks old. Last weekend I had the new chicks in a cage in the run for 3 days. There were a lot of fighting between the cage (mostly instigated from the Reds). Then because of work, I couldn't be around to move the little one back and forth and they were separated for a few days. This past weekend, I let the little ones loose in the run with the Reds. They got attacked a bit but it seemed normal from what I have read. The second day of them together, I put them together in the coop at night. Everything seemed fine. Next day, same thing. Again at night put them together. Next morning still not bad, Reds kept to them selves and the little ones kept together, little pecking here and there. I left for work and had a friend check on them. He found the Reds chasing and fighting the little one very aggressively. Then 3 of the Reds pinned the little one down and was full on pecking, ripping feathers out and looked like they were ready to kill her. When I got home later that day I found all 4 little ones flew out of the run (4" fence and my Easter Eggers can fly almost 8' high). I have them separated again because during the week I can not monitor them only weekend I can. What do I do? Every weekend just keep putting them in? I believe if I'm not around the Reds will seriously hurt or kill the little ones. Also the coop and run are large enough for 12-14 chickens and they have a large fenced "backyard" that they can access from a door off the run so space I don't think is a factor.
Thanks for any help
Eric
Thanks for any help
Eric