Putting the chicks with the hens

[irelandjohnson]

I have six hens(3yrs) and four pullets(11weeks). I’ve been trying to get them in the same coop for a while now, but two of the older hens are brutal.

Since Day 1, the hens and chicks have seen eachother all day. Every day they free range for 1-2 hours together. There is mild pecking, but never excessive.

Two of my older hens are brutal. They’ll chase after the little ones in the coop. It’s a 28x6 run/coop. I had one of them grab feathers out of my Brahma chick and carry them around, while the other brutal one ate then.

I know there will be pecking and such. But how much is too much and when and when should I not intervene?

 

[50-45-1]

So you have a coop and they free range 1-2 hours a day.
Do you have a run attached to the coop for the other hours of the day?
I would only interfear if blood is drawn. They have to establish the pecking order.
If you have a run put some branches up for them to hop and fly up on and build places the younger birds can run and avoid the larger birds.
While they are confined give them some distactions , like grass clippings to scratch thru, or a shovel of sod to explore and tear apart. The less leasure time the less picking on each other.
Separating them will continue the problem.
Good luck with your chickens!