Skittish Chickens - Pecking Order Question

[Shu Shu]

Aloha-
I introduced about 6 hens and one rooster to a very established older flock when they were about 12 weeks old, The newbies have been chased, feathers plucked and pecked by the older hens, even the young rooster. Huge coop and run, so lots of places to run and even hide under bushes. They are now 17 weeks old and very skittish and wary of the older flock members. Will this behavior end once they are all the same size, or are the younger ones doomed to the pecking order forever?
Thanks much!

 

[duluthralphie]

Aloha-
I introduced about 6 hens and one rooster to a very established older flock when they were about 12 weeks old, The newbies have been chased, feathers plucked and pecked by the older hens, even the young rooster. Huge coop and run, so lots of places to run and even hide under bushes. They are now 17 weeks old and very skittish and wary of the older flock members. Will this behavior end once they are all the same size, or are the younger ones doomed to the pecking order forever?
Thanks much!

Pecking orders always change.. injury, sickness, broodines, etc change it

 

[Mrs. K]

You are nearly over it, this is called a sub flock, and it will disappear once they younger chickens begin to lay eggs. Egg laying must be a real snob value, cause if you are not a laying hen... you don't have clout.