New flock, pecking order

[Jesslee12]

Hello all!
I am semi new to chickens, I had a flock of 6 gold sex links(stars) that were really close the laying time. Then tragedy struck in form of a dog and took out my entire flock. Sad, sad day around here. Since that time I have reinforced the chicken yard into what is now called the fort knocks of chickens. Lol.
Anyways, yesterday I went to get a pair of silkies and when I got there and saw the conditions all the chicks were living in I bought all but one rooster (live in town, he was super loud, could not take him). Now I have a hen and roo silkie, a RIR, and a leghorn. They are all about 3 months old. I also have 3 unknown chicks in the brooder.
My questions is about establishing pecking order. This was never a problem with my first girls. They were all gentle to one another. The leghorn is larger than the others and totally picks on them. Last night was our first night at home but she wouldn't let them in the coop and this morning she wouldn't let them out. Is this normal? Will it improve? What about when I introduce the chicks.
She is even mean to the rooster, who acts more like a hen than a roo. He actually makes me wonder. He looks just like the hen. Any way to sex a chicken?
Thanks so much for ay help and advice!

 

[marianne7]

Hello all!
I am semi new to chickens, I had a flock of 6 gold sex links(stars) that were really close the laying time. Then tragedy struck in form of a dog and took out my entire flock. Sad, sad day around here. Since that time I have reinforced the chicken yard into what is now called the fort knocks of chickens. Lol.
Anyways, yesterday I went to get a pair of silkies and when I got there and saw the conditions all the chicks were living in I bought all but one rooster (live in town, he was super loud, could not take him). Now I have a hen and roo silkie, a RIR, and a leghorn. They are all about 3 months old. I also have 3 unknown chicks in the brooder.
My questions is about establishing pecking order. This was never a problem with my first girls. They were all gentle to one another. The leghorn is larger than the others and totally picks on them. Last night was our first night at home but she wouldn't let them in the coop and this morning she wouldn't let them out. Is this normal? Will it improve? What about when I introduce the chicks.
She is even mean to the rooster, who acts more like a hen than a roo. He actually makes me wonder. He looks just like the hen. Any way to sex a chicken?
Thanks so much for ay help and advice!

Yep, unfortunately it is quite common, they fight for their position, best to just let them get on with it, unless there is REAL Bullying going on, then I suggest you separate the ones that are being bullied, and introduce them slowly.....Take one of your original chucks, and introduce them one at time (few days in between the introductions, if possible) this is because chickens act on smell, and the newbies will smell different at first...Chickens are also terretorial and any new additions, and they will fight for their territory....hope this helps, they will eventually integrate and get on, mine did...just takes a little patience...