Pecking Order.....

[coocooforchicks]

So I am a little concerned that my 8 week old chicks and my 2 hens wont flock together. The 4 little ones are always together, and my 2 hens are always flocking together. I have them in the same coop, run in area, and everything. They have been in the same area for up to 4 weeks now, and they just don't seem to be getting along that great. I know chickens or any flock, heard animal must establish a pecking order but I thought they would have it figured out by now! Whenever my hens go towards the little ones, they scatter, chirp and run away. Ive seen my big girls give the little ones a hard time by pecking at them (not hard, never broke skin) but nevertheless still concerns me. If the chicks are inside the coop eating and the hens come in the chicks just pace and pace until they can get out, and they will fly, knock over feeders and stuff, I just don't want a stressful flock, I want them all to get along, and I don't want any of them getting injured. Even at night the babies will sleep in the outside run attached to the coop, they don't want to go in because they know the hens are in there. Has anyone else experienced this? I really am concerned.

Thank you!

 

[sourland]

Big chickens pick on little chickens. Chicken society is frequently cruel. Since the larger hens are not drawing blood, I would leave them together, and eventually the flock will merge. This will probably not take place until the chicks have become adults. You might want to provide food and water in several places to assure that the chicks are getting enough to eat and drink.

 

[coocooforchicks]

That's what I thought too, I have been reading a lot of chicken behavior and flock behavior and what is going on with mine seems to be pretty normal. I just feel bad for the little gals. My hens are not aggressive at all with me, or anyone in my family, I actually think they think their dogs

. If I call them, they come running, they follow me everywhere, and if I have food they beg. My little chicks are the same way!! Just wish the flock would just collied together more. Thank you for your response. I have two feeders and three waterers in my chicken area. I also put scratch grain down for scratching and something to do.