I have 6 19 week old hens and 1 6 week old Cornish Rock and 1 8 week old Barred Rock. My first question is this, I am trying to put the Cornish Rock and the Barred Rock in with the bigger hens, but the bigger hens are chasing them around, grabbing their necks, pecking at them, etc. So how do I get them to get used to each other so they can all be together? Next question, today it got up to 85 degrees, hottest this year, and all my hens were panting when I got home and checked on them. They had plenty of water and shade, but I was worried. Is there anything I can do to help my babies?? Thanks...
Welcome to BYC! Keep the younger birds separate for a while longer. They're still young and need to bulk up a bit before they can stand up to the older birds. When you're ready to start integrating them, put them in a small cage in with the older birds. That way they can all see each other but can't get hurt. You could also put your most docile hen in with the younger ones to see if she is OK with them.
