Unhappy Coop

[hitchiechicks]

I have 12 birds about 2 1/2 months old. They are a mix of Buff Orpingtons, Cinnamon Queens and Barred Rocks. All hens brought up together and purchased at our local feed store. I also have 8 barnyard mutts that we hatched. They are about a month and a half old. I free ranged them together for several days and then one evening put the 8 smaller birds in the big coop with the others.
Now while the big birds haven't hurt the little ones they are being bullies. Example: went into the run today, tossed some scratch out and all the big birds were out in one area. Here come the little ones out of the coop to eat scratch and in no time one of the Buff Orpingtons took after them running them back in the coop.
Bullies! My babies are being bullied.
Help!

 

[sourland]

Big chickens bully little chickens - sadly it is the nature of chicken society. As long as they are not actively attacking and drawing blood, it is best to not intervene. It works better if you try to integrate chickens of the same size, but your birds will work things out.

 

[hitchiechicks]

I tried to wait for my babies to get bigger but they needed the room. They were ready to move out to the coop. There is occasional pecking but no injuries. All the birds seem to be eating and drinking. They look good. Last night I did notice a few babies on the roost with the big birds and before the babies huddled in a corner.

 

[sourland]

It sometimes helps to provide feed and water in multiple areas - that way you can be certain that all of the birds are getting enough to eat and drink.

 

[hitchiechicks]

Good idea. I'll do that tomorrow. I pick them up and inspect for injury regularly. One of my babies looms to be rooster.