Introducing new chick

[GMG]

I am new to raising chicks and got 3, 4-week old chicks from one breeder and another 4-week old 4 days later from a different one. The new chick is smaller than the others do they try to peck her when she gets close. I separated her from the other girls last night by wire and today they are all in the run. If the newest girl gets near the others, they peck at her. But they let her roam about and do not chase. How long will this go on until they accept her?

 

[Lamaremybabies]

Because they're still so young I'd expect a few days to a week

 

[GMG]

Okay, thanks. What about at night? Should I keep them separated until they stop pecking? None of them are on the roosting bar yet. The 3 huddle together and the newest girl is under a light. We are in San Diego so the nighttime temps are low 60s.

 

[PBBackyard]

Hi GMG, Welcome to the Addiction! I had the same thing happen with my chicks this year. 3 were hatch's and 1 was a moment of weakness from the feed store. They are 1 week apart in age.
This might sound horrible to some but it worked. I moved their heat lamp a little too high so they had to huddle (not tightly -but enough that they had to be near one another). The pecking stopped within 36 hours so I say it worked. Once the pecking stopped I put the heat lamp back at the proper height and no problems! Good Luck!

 

[GMG]

Okay, that is great to hear. Thanks for the advice!