How to stop a three year old hen from attacking new 18 month new chicks

[Chicken Sue]

we have a 3 year old barred rock and an Americana,, have 4 new chicks now 18 weeks old. Have been raising them side by side, chicken wire in between, 2 barred rock and 2 wheat marrans . We recently opened up the separation between them. One of the older barred rock hens is very mean to the chicks, chases them and eats their food. They still have their separate coops that they go in at night. It has been about 10 days and she continues to harass then. Any advice? Thank you.

 

[black_cat]

Can you put the separation back up, but with "panic doors' cut into it (without sharp ends exposed, obviously) that are not large enough for the hens to go into but large enough for the chicks to get in and out. It will let the chicks have a break. Welcome to BYC!

 

[Chicken Sue]

At this point the young chickens are very close to same size as older ones so panic door may not work. Any other thoughts Thanks

 

[Mrs. K]

At 18 weeks, I don't know if the size difference would be enough for panic doors.

If it is just one wicked bird, put her where you had the chicks. Let the chicks settle into the new place, new coop. Have the mean bird use the chicks coop. Then let the old biddy back in. Sometimes it will be just one mean bird, pulling her out for just a couple of days, letting the rest get settled, can really help.

Or I have never tried it, but a high powered squirt gun, give her a good squirt each time he attacks.

And what does your run look like? Is there hide outs, are there roosts, platforms? Clutter in the run, makes it much better for all the birds.

Mrs K

 

[black_cat]

At this point the young chickens are very close to same size as older ones so panic door may not work. Any other thoughts Thanks

Oh, whoops! I misread their age to be younger.

 

[black_cat]

Try adding multiple food and water stations, preferably out of sight of the others. Sometimes chickens will get territorial over resources.

 

[Chicken Sue]

Thanks all for the advice above. We tried separating the food and have multiple roosts, obstacles and umbrellas that give the chicks a chance to escape. But when our mean Barbie has a chance she will go after them again. The squirt gun may work and we will give it a try and let you know. Thanks very much.

 

[black_cat]

Thanks all for the advice above. We tried separating the food and have multiple roosts, obstacles and umbrellas that give the chicks a chance to escape. But when our mean Barbie has a chance she will go after them again. The squirt gun may work and we will give it a try and let you know. Thanks very much.

Does she see them on the other side of the coop and chase them down, or is it just when they go near her? Is it bad enough that they are bleeding at all, or that they are afraid to go in the coop? You may end up just needing to separate Barbie, to let the chicks have a break and her regain her place in the pecking order later.

 

[aart]

Thanks all for the advice above. We tried separating the food and have multiple roosts, obstacles and umbrellas that give the chicks a chance to escape. But when our mean Barbie has a chance she will go after them again. The squirt gun may work and we will give it a try and let you know. Thanks very much.

How big is your setup?
Some dimensions and pics would help here.

Have the chicks lived side by side with the hen for the whole 18 weeks?

Might want to correct thread title to say weeks instead of months.
Should be able to edit or click report in first post and ask mod to do it.