Is this normal while trying to integrate chicks?

[Rose the Legbar]

Ok that's bigger than I thought so that's good. Might just look tight because of the clutter.

Sounds like the new "stuff" is helping to keep the adults distracted. Also I don't know about your specific type of maple, but I gather assorted maple leaves every fall for run bedding and it has not been an issue. The chickens have no interest in eating it or anything.

The maples I have are Big Leaf maples