Introducing chicks to other hens

[Jennyhenny156]

OK, so chicks are 6 weeks old now. They are great mother hen has done all the work and been brilliant and is still obsessed with her babies. They have been separated in the coop and outside run from our other two hens whilst momma raises them but have been visible and able to interact through the mesh. Weve decided to try and introduce them. Our one very tame dopey golden silkie thinks she's a baby and just acts like the chicks with no problems although mom keeps having a little go at her for running over and trying to eat the babies food with them as she gormlessy stares back as if to say I'm a baby too. However little miss partridge is being a little bit naughty and as soon as moms back is turned she will try and attack the nearest chick. Were stood right there and keep putting her in chicken jail t9 try and punish her but she will act fine and then sneakily try and attack again. Anyone experienced this? Shes scared of mom who is highest ranking pack member and she is arguably bottom. Any tips? Picture attached of mom telling her off because she caught her trying to peck her pilkie baby.

 

[azygous]

You have two issues. One, making sure the chicks have all the food they need and preventing the other chickens from eating it up from them, and the other, having a safe place for the chicks to run to in case of bullying.

Making a "panic room" for the chicks with multiple entry holes only large enough for them, 4 1/2" x 6" is a way to solve both issues. Like this.

 

[Jennyhenny156]

You have two issues. One, making sure the chicks have all the food they need and preventing the other chickens from eating it up from them, and the other, having a safe place for the chicks to run to in case of bullying.

Making a "panic room" for the chicks with multiple entry holes only large enough for them, 4 1/2" x 6" is a way to solve both issues. Like this. View attachment 2321250

They are still with mom only when left unsupervised, we were just trying to introduce them slowly to our other two ready for when they are all older and integrate. So whilst free ranging in the garden we thought we would see how they react. We won't leave them unsupervised till fully grown. Just wondered if we could do anything to make jill our partridge silkie be nicer to them and less 'attacky'