Older girls bullying newer ones

[jp57]

I got 5 chicks over the spring the add to my 3 older hens. When they got old enough to move them outside, I kept them in a separate coop and run for a couple of weeks so they would be visible to the others. I tried moving them into the older girls coop one night and they would not stop pecking at the newer ones. I moved them back into their own for a couple of weeks and tried again. Now they seem to be fine at night time, but they bully the younger ones over food. The older ones will leave the run and free range for the day, but the younger ones do not. This is when I make sure they are eating. Any other time they are trying to eat, the older ones will peck at them, and then take the food. I have had times where I have to forcibly remove the older ones, and lock them out of the run so the little ones could eat in peace. I thought this would lessen over time, but it doesn't seem to be. Any ideas to increase the peace?

 

[A.M. Eggs]

The problem hasn't been solved because of your intervention. Chickens form what we call a "pecking order" starting from when they are only chicks. If any new birds join the flock, the older birds have to show the younger, newer birds who is in charge. It is a normal process. I try not to intervene and let the chicks and adults figure it out. I only watch for injuries (doesn't happen very often). It can take months for the process to fully settle into place, especially when the chicks become adults themselves and begin to challenge. Over time the chicks and adults will find a common ground and settle into the "pecking order."

 

[jp57]

Thanks for the answer. I guess I need to stop stepping in between them. It's just hard watching the younger ones getting attacked.

 

[aart]

I thought this would lessen over time, but it doesn't seem to be. Any ideas to increase the peace?

Time and patience.

Here's some tips that might help:
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[igorsMistress]

You have good advice here already, but I think multiple feed and water stations will definitely help. It is hard to see your little ones get pecked, I know! They'll all work it out in fairly short order though, just keep an eye on them to make sure no one gets beat up too bad.