well if the chicks are small enough...they have special feeders that the grown hens can't get their heads in lol. i guess that'd be the best bet. but if the chicks are abit bigger. i feed my older hens first since they're dominant...then while they're eating and enthralled with life, i run around the corner to drop some chick food for the younger ones. it's not fool proof but it's all i have and it seems to work for me.