my girls need an attitude adjustment, what to do?

[catlikethief]

Two weeks ago I purchased 3 RIR and 2 BR that are close to egg laying age. Everything has been going great with them and they are adjusting perfectly.

Tonight I went to the feed store and just had to buy 2 more chicks (5 wks old!) The lady at the store said I could put them out during the day with the others . The older girls aren't too receptive to the idea. When will they stop pecking at the young ones? I just want to make sure they won't try to kill them.

I assume it's just them establishing their pecking order, it's so painful to watch

 

[morelcabin]

They will likely kill them. The chicks should be at least close to the same size as the hens before putting them in

 

[catlikethief]

Quote:
Good to know! Wow, guess they'll be staying inside for a bit.

 

[keeperofthehearth]

Yep, you need to separate the chicks out until they are about the same size as your pullets. Esp. since your ratio is 5 big girls to 2 bitty girls, those big girls will be too aggressive and will most likely do damage.

 

[mmajw]

I agree with above posts. I keep mine seperate until the younger ones are able to fend for themselves. Usually around 4 months I mix them.

 

[estpr13]

I have some 5 week old chicks which I have been introducing to my girls for about 4 weeks now. When I first took them out I was the mother hen. I let the other hens look at them but not get close. Then as the chicks grow and the hens get use to them I allow some contact. Now at 5 weeks of age I pretty much ignore the interactions because both groups are use to each other.