segregated chicks?

[AuntieE]

I have 6 6week old black australorps since they were a day old. 3 days ago I picked up 4 rhode island reds that are also 6 weeks olds. I put them in the coop together and stayed with them awhile, and seemed to do fine with each other. They still are not aggressive with each other-but unless I have food with me they completely segregate themselves. When I give them treats they all run to me, but go right back to their own side as soon as they're done. All the BAs stay on one end of the coop, and all the RIRs on the other. Luckily, the food and water is in the middle

They're not hurting each other, so it's not a big deal, but I'm just wondering if this is normal behavior? Do they just need a little more time to adjust to each other?

 

[Happy Chooks]

It's normal. It will diminish in time, but those raised together generally stick together around the yard.

 

[lotzahenz]

it is normal, and I do find that even as adults some of my birds stick with their own kind, like they know they are different. I also find if I introduce a white or light bird into my black flock, the roos will wear it out to the point I have to remove it. Except the Leghorn hen, she is Queen and does her own thing plus lays a huge white egg every single day. Can't get within 20 feet of her though. Otherwise, introduce a dark bird, no problems. I think your chicks will start to mingle in a week or so.

 

[Judy]

Consider yourself fortunate! That's about as peaceful an integration as you could ask for.

Some of mine stayed basically separated into their own groups for a year or more, at least when out foraging. I have one pullet who lost all her siblings and she still hangs out by herself at 5 months, and laying. She's not pecked on and doesn't attack, she just keeps to herself. It took some doing to get her to use the main roost, and she does use the nest boxes.

 

[AuntieE]

Thank you

Good info to know. I wasn't especially concerned since no one was getting hurt; I just didn't expect this particular behavior.

Thanks again