I have bully chicks!

[yellowflower]

This is the setup. I took a large dog crate (plastic) and took it apart so I had 2 halfs. Put them together the long way so the door part was in the middle. Put a piece of hardware cloth there for seperation and put my new chicks on one side and my older chicks on the other. I left them like this for almost 4 weeks. Then I opened the doorway and it seemed okay. Mostly they stayed on their side. Then I saw the older ones charging the little ones and pecking at them if they got to close or came on there side. There wasn't anyone getting hurt so I left it for a few days. Last night I say that the older ones had the little ones cornered on there side and they were eating and drinking out of their dishes and not alowing the little ones near. They were smushing each other so I put the divider up for the night. I just took it down again and will watch them for the day. Will they ever get along? I wanted them to grow together. They are all silkies with the younger ones going on 4 weeks and the older about 6 or 7 weeks. The size difference isn't that great as the older ones are from a breeder and the younger ones from a hatcherie. Although some of the younger ones are still quite small. I just don't know what to do to help this along better if there's anything. Or should I just let them be. Like I said no injuries just bullying. Thanks!

 

[LeghornJosh]

sorry to hear about your problem.... here is what i have experienced, Chicks who are even hatched at the same time will peck at eachother, but usually they are close to the same size so its not a one sided fight. Depending on the size difference between the chicks is going to be a big factor. you may want to keep them seperate for a while longer until the little ones can defend themselves or at least out-run the big guys! I just released a bunch of my younger chickens out with all the full grown, egg laying hens. Its not easy for them to get to the food and water but they manage. My chickens are free range, so they can just go up to the water when the big hens aren't around. But they are getting a long a lot better now, they have been integrated for about 3 weeks.

 

[cmom]

Do you have a larger area for them. Maybe more space would help. I have my chicks in their coop with a nice run. I made kind of a playground for them with lots of things for them to climb around on in the trees. Also I have extra feeders and waterers available for them as I had the same problem with the older chicks trying to keep the younger ones away from the feed and water. The same thing with my older birds so I put a waterer and feeder in their run and coop. I added a second pop door in the coop for my older birds as they woould try to keep the youngers birds out of the coop.

Some of my older pullets and hens.

 

[yellowflower]

That's a great idea. I'm working on a space outside they can go during the day and bring them in at night. The temps have not been consistant here in New England this year. So I wouldn't leave them out all night just yet. I feel 4 weeks is too early anyways. I'll let you know how it goes.