introducing chicks to flock....problems ensue

[morgan999]

Almost a week and a half ago my three black Australorps pullets and one cockerel went out to the coop with my 9 leghorns. The little guys stayed in a separate pen within the coop where they could be seen by the big girls, but not gotten to. Today we let them all mingle together and I am scared! My big boss lady just went crazy on them! I know im supposed to let them establish their pecking order, and not interfere, but I feel like the little guys are getting way too stressed out. Every time a white wing flaps, they screech and go running into a corner now. Any advice??

 

[boyswillbeboys]

I gave my chicks a safe place to go, and get away from the big girls. Are they about the same size? you didn't say how old the chicks are.

I was able to put my chicks in at a young age, because they had a safe place to go, I kept them in the cage for almost 2 weeks, before turning it so they could slip out. Even though they are still smaller than my leghorns, for the most part they move around the coop freely, I have 2 or 3 bullies in the older flock, and have had 1 injury (2 days ago) the adults mostly spend the day outside, and the chicks still stay in the safety of the coop for the most part.

 

[Judy]

I would keep them separated but able to see each other for a few more weeks. Although, if no blood is drawn, you could just let them work it out. They will probably need more than one food and water station, most likely, as the bigger ones will try to stp the others from getting fod nd drink. Plenty of space, and some places to hide behind or under, will also help. If your setpu is pictured in your avatar, you will probably have to let the out of that pen for a week or two, at least.

 

[morgan999]

No, that was actually "coop Mark I". Lol. Since then they have moved into a 10x14 shed with a 20x20 run and free ranging time every day. They have a couple Hidey places and no blood is drawn. They seem a but better today. Big girls aren't actually picking on little ones today, but the little ones are still definitely scared of them. They have two different water and feed areas, but I find the leghorns keep trying to eat the grower chick feed instead of their layer pellets.

 

[Judy]

You could have fed everyone the chick feed, in order to avoid the chicks getting any layer feed.

If you aren't seeing blood, all is well. They will probably form groups for a long time, maybe forever, when they have the space to do so. The groups might not fight so much as hang around together. Anything close to a fight around here always seems to occur at dusk when deciding who gets to roost where.