old hens not letting new hens out in run

[jlj1212]

Hi everyone! so about a month ago we got 4 new chickens to add to our flock of 8. We did the introductions and what not, and they have been living in same area for about a week now, our first 8 hens ( we call them the bitches) won't let the new 4 out in the run with them, the babies ( we call the new 4 this, they are about a year old the rest of our chickens are between a year and a half and 2)
have access to food and water inside in the coop so from what I have read online this is a good thing, however the babies can't ever go in the run ( it's more than big enough for all 12) they just get chased back inside, the pecking order has been established as the babies aren't being attacked upon anymore, they just can't get in the run, Is this something that they just have to get over ? or is there something we can do to get everyone to co-mingle ?
It's funny because at night the bitches are all snuggled up on the roosting pole next to the babies they just don't want them in the run .
I was thinking about trying to force the babies into the run with the bitches and then close the coop door and let whatever needs to happen, to happen.
Any advice here ? We got eggs from the babies for about a week but haven't gotten anything since because they aren't allowed outside!
Thanks

 

[Judy]

I'd be tempted to close the coop with them all in the run, as you suggested. Or, you can just let them work it out. It does seem a bit unfair, though, doesn't it?

 

[jlj1212]

It does they are just such bitches.. lol I was out watching them a bit today and one of the new ones was out there being brave she was out there for like 5 min and ran back in so they just need to woman up.. lol
I will wait and see how it goes for the week, the boyfriend is gone for the week and I can't stand to hear the chickens pecking on each other ( which is going to happen I am sure when I force them all outside) so I will let him deal with that..lol
If anyone else has any suggestions please let me know Happy to try anything. I want more eggs lol ( two of the babies are americanas so we get blue eggs which I think is super cool!) and I want them to all get along!