Roost Pecking

[Bostonbea]

I have successfully integrated a new flock of chicks (5 at anywhere between 14 and 18 weeks) with my two three year old hens. The harassment while free ranging has diminished, but, man can they get fussy when it's time to go to bed! My older Golden Comet is pacing an entire bar just to keep all others off leaving the rest huddled together on the other roost trying to avoid her wild swings.

Will this settle eventually? I have considered altering the roost design, but I'd like to leave it as it is if things will calm down.

Any help?

 

[irishlotfarms]

How long have the new chickens been in with the others? I am pretty sure that they are establishing a pecking order! it should stop, but if it gets bad here is a trick to help: take the most aggressive chicken and separate him/her for two or three days. Make sure he/she always has food and water, that will reset her place in the pecking order so she won't abuse the others.

 

[Bostonbea]

They have been together in the coop for almost 2 weeks. Maybe I'm just worried about the pecking. I get it but it just seems so harsh! Heck she's wailed on my hand when I reached in while it was dark! I'll give it some time and take your trick into action if need be. Thanks for the help!