Pullets Pecking amd Chasing Chicks

[ChickenyChickeny]

I have 2 pullets, both of whom a very friendly to people and each other. But recently, I got 3 chicks, all a week and a half old. I didn't hatch the chicks or have a hen brood them, so there is no hen to watch them.

I thought the chickens would get along ok, but NOPE. The two pullets will sneak up on the chicks and peck their heads and eyes and combs. If the poor chicks try to get away, the pullets will chase them, until I pick up the pullet and put her in a different place.

Sometimes the chicks will walk up to the pullets, so they are not very afraid of them, but I can't tell if the pecking and chasing is peck-order stuff, or just the pullets being mean. The chicks do get pecked pretty hard, they have had feathers pulled out by the pullets.

Should I give back the chicks, or wait for the pullets to get more friendly, or what? My yard isn't big enough to have two separate runs and coops for the pullets on one side and the chicks on the other! PLEASE respond with advice! (seriously, I REALLY need some advice on this.)

 

[asher]

How old are the chicks? You may need to just put them in some kind of small temporary enclosure within the same one as the others until they get used to them. There will likely almost always be some kind of pecking order, but the chicks need to be big enough to do something about it. lol

My answer whether to keep them and just do what I suggested above or give them back will depend on the age of the chicks.

 

[ChickenyChickeny]

How old are the chicks? You may need to just put them in some kind of small temporary enclosure within the same one as the others until they get used to them. There will likely almost always be some kind of pecking order, but the chicks need to be big enough to do something about it. lol

My answer whether to keep them and just do what I suggested above or give them back will depend on the age of the chicks.

thanks so much! i will keep them separated in differant runs.

 

[debid]

They need a slower introduction. I house chicks separate from adults but within sight of each other and then begin a gradual introduction out in the yard so they can easily escape any unwanted attention. Cornering can be fatal.

You have to understand that your hens see these new chicks as intruders, not new friends, and they will attempt to drive them away.

 

[Pork Pie]

Chicks need to be 8 weeks plus before attempting integration. Here's some links that may help

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1126547/topic-of-the-week-integrating-chicks-into-an-adult-flock

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1069595/introducing-chicks-to-adults#post_16276224

 

[hannahsflock]

I normally only introduce the chicks when they are pretty much the same size as the older birds. I've had bad experiences with introducing too early...

 

[jwyles]

Watching. I'be never owned chickens until a few months ago. I know I'll have all these questions about this subject when the time comes.