Normal or aggressive behavior?

[cge7]

brought home three little ones a couple weeks ago (4-6 wks old) then an older hen showed up at work all beat up, she was quaranteened and turned into a 'rescue'.
im slowly giving them a little time together each day and when i do, she makes a trilling sound but will peck at the little ones. I am assuming this is just her trying to say shes the boss and is standard pecking order behavior but am not 100% sure.

Can someone tell me what this sound means and maybe confirm this is just the 'pecking order' behavior and not too much of a concern? thanks

 

[sourland]

If she is not seriously pecking at them in those tight quarters, flock integration is going to be a breeze. If she does really start going at them, provide far more space.

 

[azygous]

There's pecking, and then there's pecking. Chickens communicate with their beaks. Some pecking is meant to discipline. A "swiping" motion with the beak is meant to invite themselves into the other chicken's space. When they peck me gently on the back of my leg or my back as I stoop down to scoop up poop, it means, "Notice me. I want to be held."

When an older hen with latent maternal instincts sees younger chicks, she may decide to "adopt" them. She will sometimes peck them very lightly to tell them she is in charge and will be protecting them and teaching them. It's not an aggressive peck at all.

If your chicks remain with this hen, instead of running away from her, they understand she means well. If you give this hen some treats and she drops them for the chicks to eat, you will have your proof she's adopted them.

Several years ago, an older hen decided to "adopt" four six-week old chicks I had brooded and turned loose in the run. She nurtured them until they were four months old, feeding them, protecting them, and teaching them.

 

[4 ever Orpington]

If she is not seriously pecking at them in those tight quarters, flock integration is going to be a breeze. If she does really start going at them, provide far more space.

Agreed

 

[cge7]

any idea what the trill sound shes making might mean? not sure if its a sound of curiosity, contentment or something else

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

As was said above, you need to give them much more space. Likely they will get so bored, it might get serious!

 

[azygous]

Yes, the trilling. When chicks make the sound, it means they want to get under a broody hen for comfort and warmth or to snuggle with each other to nap or sleep come nightfall. When an older one makes the sound, it probably means contentment.