Pecking order - how much dominance is too much

[Aussie new mum]

Hi
My 11 month old and my 12 week old peking bantams seemed to be getting on ok. The older one had lunged a few times at the little one and the little one just ran (she is really fast). For the last 2 days I have been leaving the little one then both of them in the coop so the little one knows this is her home. They had both been in there about 5 hours this afternoon and I went down at dusk to check on them. The little one was making her way up the ramp to the nesting area where they have both been sleeping and there was a lot of loud squarking and cheeping. I checked and it looked like the older one wouldn't let her sleep where she had been. The little one wasn't injured at all but really wanted to come out of the coop. I put her on a perch at the other end of the coop and covered the coop with a towel so it was dark for her. When they are both locked in the coop together the little one stays on the perch which seems to be her safe area while the older one scratches on the ground. Should I still leave them both in together for a few more days and keep an eye on them or let the older one out so the little one is comfortable in the coop? Help????

 

[mudman]

I'm interested in hearing responses too, as we just lost a 6wk old Australorp to one of our older bantams during the introduction period.

 

[hickerbillies]

I'm interested too. I'm introducing now myself. I keep the littles ones seperate from the older flock with a fence. Lastnight we moved the fence and let them check each other out. It went pretty good, we only let this go on for about 45 minutes then seperated them again, so all the babies could go to bed. I'll do it again tonight. I have 5 young silkies & 2 young Polish (2 1/2 months old) with 4 RIR 4 BR all 8 months old. I also have 9 little peeps (in brooder). I do have one hen that is a little hot tempered so we keep a good eye on her. It will take time but I believe it will all work out. Would love to know if we are doing it right. I'm scared one of them will get hurt. Who knew chicken could put such a mark on ones heart.