Little chicken want to roost with the big girls

[Zwillingsmama]

I have 2 11 week old pullets. They are with my 5 2 year old girls for the past 4 weeks with no problem. I introduced them slowly and although they go they different ways - the young ones stay by themself there has not been any problem. They slept on their side of the coop run where I had them in the beginning physically separated from the big girls. 3 days ago the little ones decided they want to be on the roost with the big girls. Needless to say the big ones don’t want them there and until it’s to dark it’s mayhem. Big girls pick, young ones go down but fly right up into the war zone. For the past 3 days I have played peace keeper and stopped the big ones from pecking the little ones, but I can’t do that indefinitely. When will it stop, do I need to separate them again, - the little ones would have alternatives but somehow they don’t want to be there.

 

[chrissynemetz]

If no blood is being shed, I think you should just let them work out their pecking order. It can be hard to watch, but it's normal behaviour.

 

[Sonya9]

That is typical. When they get older and start laying they may get roost privileges. Obviously the chicks aren't being hurt which is why they keep trying constantly. They sound very stubborn.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Normal. No need to interfere unless someone's actually getting hurt or completely forced out of the coop. My chicks are the first on the roost, then the hens come in, force them off, the chicks go right back up, and then they fuss and fight and argue until it's finally dark.