Trouble introducing chicks to existing flock

[BBritnell]

Hello!

I know that this issue has problem been raised a lot here already but I couldn't quite find my answer.

I'm attempting to introduce 4 9-week chicks to my existing flock (which is just 2 3-year old hens). For a few weeks, about 5 hours each day, I let the chicks run around in the run where the hens could see them but not get to them. Last night, for the first time, I placed the chicks into the coop with the big girls and all seemed to go well. This morning, the existing hens were only mildly aggressive and overall, we had peace all day. At bed time however, I found the chicks huddled under a bush so I picked one up and placed her in the coop. Immediately, one of my hens jumped off of her roost and went in attack mode so I scooped the chick back up.

For tonight, I locked the hens in the coop and the chicks in the run so that they are at least safe from predators. After a couple hours, I went out and placed the chicks in the coop and all is okay for now. Im leaving the door of the coop open so they can get out at sunrise before the mean girl wakes up.

Any advice? Should i just expect to place the chicks in the coop after dark each night until the chicks are big enough to better defend themselves?

I read somewhere about removing the trouble maker for a few days. This chicken has a huge personality unlike any other chicken I have ever had. She goes after my pyrenees all of the time like she's trying to establish them lower in the pecking order than herself. haha. Luckily my dogs are gentle giants

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Bed time is the one time of day that the pecking order is most evident. Much information can be gathered by the novice chicken keeper if you will only sit quietly and watch your hens put themselves to bed. Warning, if you are the excitable type you will also need a shot of whisky (three fingers or better) and a couple Valiums. But what the hey, what can go wrong, right?

 

[aart]

Should i just expect to place the chicks in the coop after dark each night until the chicks are big enough to better defend themselves?

Probably...not so much until chicks can defend themselves as the new birds accept that the littles are there to stay.
George is correct about the RoostTimeRumble(I'd skip the booze and pills tho) even well established flocks squabble at roost time.
Having multiple roosts can really help....and extra space.
How big is your coop and roost lengths in feet?
Pics would be most helpful.
You might try isolating the bigs at roost time and let the chicks go in and get the lay of the land, then put the bigs back in after dark.
Do the chicks have access to the coop during the day?
I'm assuming you free range?