It's that time again: chick introductions

[5.3acredream]

I have 3 new chicks, fully feathered and ready to go (8 weeks old). I have a 2 year old flock 5 hens, 1 rooster.

My two flocks have been separated by fencing for several weeks and largely ignore each other through the runs.
Today I tried to do an introduction. I let out my older flock to free range, then the young flock. When a single hen encountered my littles, everything went fine. Just pecking order stuff. But my rooster is acting aggressive to the little ones. Rushing them and feather plucking. He is a good rooster and non-aggressive otherwise, so his behavior is unexpected to me.

Advice for a better introduction?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Keep plugging away. Your rooster's behavior isn't unexpected. His job is to protect his flock. Any interlopers are potentially a threat to the flock. They use the flock's food and water and potentially bring in disease.
By trying to drive away interlopers, they are protecting their flock.

 

[Molly Mojo]

I’m following you because you used the word interlopers.

It really should be used more.

 

[Molly Mojo]

I have 3 new chicks, fully feathered and ready to go (8 weeks old). I have a 2 year old flock 5 hens, 1 rooster.

My two flocks have been separated by fencing for several weeks and largely ignore each other through the runs.
Today I tried to do an introduction. I let out my older flock to free range, then the young flock. When a single hen encountered my littles, everything went fine. Just pecking order stuff. But my rooster is acting aggressive to the little ones. Rushing them and feather plucking. He is a good rooster and non-aggressive otherwise, so his behavior is unexpected to me.

Advice for a better introduction?

Interesting.
Thank you for the discussion question.

I just got four new chicks (As 2 have been on order for about 2 months) and I will be watching for this behavior when it is time integrate them to my existing flock (14 total 3-4 months old).

So far I only have one rooster and he is trying to assert his dominance. He is also a Silkie, so it’s kinda hilarious watching the little guy chase all the big girls.

Most of the girls stand up to him for now. He has taken a bow to many of them, but he keeps trying.

 

[5.3acredream]

Well, day 2 of both flocks free ranging went... okay. The hens seem 100% ready to accept the little ones. They made themselves comfortable in the little ones tiny temporary coop and didn't harass the babies at all. Just enjoyed the shade and passed them on by. Mr. Darcy rushed them again of they got too close but I didn't see feather plucking today.

I ended up having to rescue little Sprout whom had found her way into the big flocks run and Mr. Darcy was NOT having it. Poor girl just wanted to get back with her flockmates and couldn't figure out how to leave!

Side effect of all of this is that my little ones, whom had grown standoffish toward me in their adolescence, are now rushing to me when Mr. Darcy is near. Ms Sprout even let me pet her again like the old days! Yay, trauma!

Round 3 tomorrow. Wish me luck!

 

[Mrs. K]

You might try, letting the big birds out, and locking the littles into the coop/run that you eventually want them in. This lets them explore it without being chased, figure out the hideouts, and feed stations. Do have extra feed bowls.

I have found it very helpful for me.

 

[5.3acredream]

It finally happened!

I went to lock the runs of the chicks and adults and found only a single sad peep in my chick coop. Naturally, I panicked thinking something had happened to them. Then I saw two small fluffy butts perched in the doorway of the big kids coop. Looks like the babies decided they were going to upgrade their apartment digs.

I moved the lone chick into the big coop so she would be with her flock and locked them all up. Everyone seemed well enough when I let them out this morning. I'm feeling positive!