Is she too big

[Urbanforager]

Hey all was wondering if my year old hens is too old to be in with my chicks at night? Shes been free ranging since we got her last may, we had two but the other ended up passing.. she's been okay with them with her being outta the run and them being in the run... We introduced them today while they were in the coop and she did okay, a little pecking but no feathers were pulled

 

[sourland]

Only you can make that evaluation by watching her behavior with them.

 

[igorsMistress]

I think she'll be fine. Chicks are fast, they'll stay out of her way. If she gets nasty with them you may need to separate so keep an eye on them.

 

[Urbanforager]

Only you can make that evaluation by watching her behavior with them.

She seems okay while I'm there I'm just scared I'm gonna come back and have some dead birds if I leave her with them at night

 

[Urbanforager]

I think she'll be fine. Chicks are fast, they'll stay out of her way. If she gets nasty with them you may need to separate so keep an eye on them.

I've got a big tote I put a hole in so they can get in but she can't if they need to run.. they don't even look phased when she pecks them

 

[bantamluv]

while i agree with @sourland, that it is your decision, i'll try to offer some advice. it looks they are old enough to fend for themselves. and yes, chicks are very fast! i've never had any big issues with combining growing and mature birds. however, it does happen, so if she shows any major aggression or isn't tolerating them well, i would definitely seperate her. it looks like you're doing everything right! good luck!

 

[igorsMistress]

I've got a big tote I put a hole in so they can get in but she can't if they need to run.. they don't even look phased when she pecks them

Perfect! You can add stuff to the coop/run for them to hide behind so they're not in her line of sight also.

 

[Urbanforager]

while i agree with @sourland, that it is your decision, i'll try to offer some advice. it looks they are old enough to fend for themselves. and yes, chicks are very fast! i've never had any big issues with combining growing and mature birds. however, it does happen, so if she shows any major aggression or isn't tolerating them well, i would definitely seperate her. it looks like you're doing everything right! good luck!

Just an update but I locked me in with em for about half hour before sunset just to make sure everything was going well... At first she was very upset not with the chicks just the new coop and finding her roosting spot... The chicks don't like to roost yet they like to make a ball in the corner of the coop and sleep there. just so happens after a little bit of pecking and stepping on the little ones she made herself a nice spot in the middle of em to sleep! Thanks all for the tips a lot of my worry is gone now