Older chicks keeping younger from going in the coop

[rookiefarmers]

We have two flocks, 12 almost 14 week olds and 11 almost 10 weeks olds. They are fine in the run, and sleep separated in the coop but its all open during the day, in case of weather etc. There is no food or water in the coop so the little girls have access to it in the run. They all come running out together in the morning and are fine all day, the bugs occasionally chase them but no fighting or anything. We have been having rain and wind and the older girls immediately go in the coop and the younger girls they roo but are chased out. They end up sitting BT the door waiting for me to come put them in the separated area. Its making me crazy. What do I do?

 

[rookiefarmers]

*bigs not bugs.

 

[Den in Penn]

It will work itself out. The bigs haven't yet totally accepted them into the pecking order. If they are sleeping in the same coop and there are no problems outside, its just a matter of time. Try removeing the seperation at night.

 

[bj taylor]

I sure know what you mean. I've got a coop full of problems right now. one new mama w/two babies, three adult hens that act like sisters, one lone hen that hasn't been accepted yet, and twelve half grown punks. it's world war III in there when the sun goes down. it depends on what mood i'm in whether I interfere or not. sometimes I stand in there and referee & other times I go after dark to make sure everybody in in there and all is ok. invariably everyone has found a spot & all is quiet.

 

[rookiefarmers]

Thanks guys. I think I will give it a go here in the next few weeks. I think the bugs are getting close to slowing way down growth wise so the littles should be making some big strides as far as evening the playing field. I think part of it is that the littles are now starting to stand up more instead of the duck and cover routine, so I know they are working out the order. I am just terrified of losing someone at this point. So I will keep going with our slow and steady approach.