Introducing My Young Chicks To My Older Chickens

[273816]

I have three chickens, as some members may know. I have a red sex link called Beatrice and two named Mackenzie and Keisha, whose breeds are currently unknown.

We also have two australorps named Elsa and Beyonce- my creative little sisters named these beautiful girls.

Today, we tried to integrate them but it didn't go to well. I'm worried quite easily so when Beatrice and Keisha began to peck at them, I called it off.

Mackenzie hadn't paid much attention to them so I decided to try it again. I separated Beatrice and Keisha off from the other three.
She was absolutely fine with them and even shared her food and water.

The other two were still not okay with them.

Mackenzie is top of the 'pecking order', so I was wondering if putting them all together, she would keep Beatrice and Keisha in line or would let them still do it, considering they might be trying to establish 'pecking order' with Elsa and Beyonce.

Thanks in advance,
Rachel.

 

[Duckopolis]

They normally fight until they work out a pecking order.

 

[273816]

They normally fight until they work out a pecking order.

Thanks for the reply. I'll try it again tomorrow and just hope it doesn't get too vicious.

Rachel.

 

[aart]

How old are the birds and how much space do they have?
Describing your coop and run setup might help folks offer suggestions.

Birds should be about the same size, if new birds are younger and smaller they'll have a harder time standing up for themselves.
Lots of space helps, multiple feed/water stations helps, places to hide/get away from bullies helps.

As long as no one is being trapped or is bleeding, it's best to let them work it out. Every time you separate them and then reintroduce they have to start over.

Pecking is normal, it happens in most flocks regularly...especially around the food/water.