Nasty hens

[AtlantisPeeps]

So I've begun introducing my 8 week old chicks to my older hens. The hens hate them. They chase them around and peck and peck and peck them. The rooster is fine with them! He's like "Yeah yeah. Who cares." But those hens are like evil or something . How do I introduce them without my babies getting hurt? (Btw they have connected runs so they can see each other)

Thanks,
Overprotective first time chick owner

 

[iwiw60]

If they have 'connected' runs how are they getting pecked? Are you putting them all together at times? How long have you had them separated in the separate run areas. Can they 'see' each other when they are separated?

 

[AtlantisPeeps]

We have tried putting them together sometimes, and that's when they get pecked. They can see each other through the separate runs and have been in the separate runs since they were 4 weeks (They are 8 weeks now)

 

[AtlantisPeeps]

This is the run. It just has chicken wire in the middle to separate them.

 

[MACKSFLOCK]

I have the same problem with my Rhodies!

a fellow BYC Member has suggested that I take out all the food and water when introducing them so there is nothing for them to Squabble over. Also to introduce the hens one by one to the chicks. I'm going to give it a try in a few weeks
I've decided to wait while my 8 week old chicks grow a wee bit more because my hens just tower over them at the moment.

I hope you manage to introduce them successfully good luck

 

[deathfromabove]

Try letting them out and free range ( neutral ground) and see how they act.

 

[AtlantisPeeps]

Can't free range them here I'm afraid... I live in the woods and there are way too many predators even under my watchful eye. If something attacks them, what would I do? Kick the fox in the rear? Thanks anyway

 

[bigmrg74]

Can't free range them here I'm afraid... I live in the woods and there are way too many predators even under my watchful eye. If something attacks them, what would I do? Kick the fox in the rear? Thanks anyway

Shoot, shove, shut up!. ;-)

 

[ShockValue]

Add just the most gentle hen to the younger birds side. Let them hang for a day... If that goes well, add another to the young side... If that goes well for a day or 2, then try them all together again.