Older hens being aggressive towards new pullets - help!

[whoami]

My flock consisted of 1 Americana hen, 2 Bantie hens and 1 Bantie rooster. My chickens live in a stall in our barn.

About a month ago I bought 8 pullets that were 5-6 weeks old. I kept them in a dog crate in the stall, letting them out during the day when the others were free ranging and putting them back in the dog crate at night.

Everyone has been in the stall for about 3 weeks now. I hadn't noticed any problems until the other night.

I set out clean water and my pullets were all drinking together. Then one of the bantie hens came in and started chasing and the pullets. She pulled a couple of feathers out of a couple when she pecked them. Then the other bantie joined in. I have to add that these two girls have been brooding on golf balls the last couple of weeks.

Last night I watched them again and the rooster and Americana hen were no problem at all. Then the two banties came down to eat and drink and started to cause a ruckus again.

What do I do?

 

[Judy]

I've seen broodies act that way toward anyone who came too close, in their estimation -- broodies who had never done the same when not broody. I'd say you need a broody pen or two for them.