Losing young chickens to older chickens

[griffon49]

Ok, so I had 20 6 week old chickens that I introduced to the original flock of 15 a few days ago. I put them all in at once (separated at first) and let them stare at each other for a full day and then snuck them into the coop at night. Went to work and came back next afternoon and all was good. Little ones were running around and the big ones would only occasionally chase them around. Next day after work I had a little one dead (chest tore apart) and then yesterday I had another young one dead (same M.O). I stayed out and watched them for a few hours yesterday (same as the day before) to see if I could determine who the bully was but they all just kinda mingled and only occasionally pecked or chased the younger ones. Is it normal to have some loss or should I start water-boarding my older ones until somebody speaks up!

Rookie chicken farmer...flock of about 35...34...um...probably around 32 by now.

 

[CMV]

6 weeks old is way too young to be introducing newbies into an established flock. I generally wait until 14-18 weeks before allowing intermingling. I suppose if you want only the most savvy to survive then this is the way to go about it, but a 6 week old does not stand a chance against a full grown bird. You are going to have several more casualties unless you separate them again.

 

[azelgin]

6 weeks old is way too young to be introducing newbies into an established flock. I generally wait until 14-18 weeks before allowing intermingling. I suppose if you want only the most savvy to survive then this is the way to go about it, but a 6 week old does not stand a chance against a full grown bird. You are going to have several more casualties unless you separate them again.

I agree. At six weeks, the chicks will be food for the adults. A little blood gets drawn and it's all down hill from there. I actually put the brooder in the coop, but it's separated from the rest of the crew by a wire wall. Keeps all the mess in one place.

 

[griffon49]

Sounds like I've been feeding my flock $2 chicken nuggest...I believe I'll be separating them after work today.

 

[CMV]

I'm sorry, but THAT was funny. Yeah, separation is a good thing until the little guys grow up a bit.

Good luck.

 

[CMV]

Sorry Griffon49, I meant to give you this earlier, but I had to search through my old BYC bookmarks:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock