We have some bullying problems

[kmpage28]

So, our original group of chicks was three white leghorns and three rhode island reds that we got late April. May 17 we got
Six bantam's (four silkies and two speckled Sussex). They all lived together in the garage fine and then about 1 1/2 weeks ago, the big ones were moved into their coop and this last weekend the bantam's moved out as well (and we finished their fenced area attached to their coop as well). The big guys are pecking at the little ones. They haven't caused any injuries (thankfully) but it almost seems like a bully game to the older ones. What do we do? when the big ones go out into the fenced area (they can go freely from their coop into the fenced area) the little ones seem to happy (the little ones come out of the corner and start frolicking and playing in the coop). What do we do about the bullying? Let them work it out? Again, no injuries so far, just feel bad...

 

[DeepDishChix]

Maybe the smaller ones are trying to eat and drink before the bigger ones. Also big chickens usually peck little chicks, so maybe you should separate them until they're older. Hope this helps!

 

[OreoPlymothRock]

So, our original group of chicks was three white leghorns and three rhode island reds that we got late April. May 17 we got
Six bantam's (four silkies and two speckled Sussex). They all lived together in the garage fine and then about 1 1/2 weeks ago, the big ones were moved into their coop and this last weekend the bantam's moved out as well (and we finished their fenced area attached to their coop as well). The big guys are pecking at the little ones. They haven't caused any injuries (thankfully) but it almost seems like a bully game to the older ones. What do we do? when the big ones go out into the fenced area (they can go freely from their coop into the fenced area) the little ones seem to happy (the little ones come out of the corner and start frolicking and playing in the coop). What do we do about the bullying? Let them work it out? Again, no injuries so far, just feel bad...

Since they are new, they are probably trying to establish the pecking order. Once it is established, there should be some peace. The older ones are pecking the younger ones because the younger ones are doing something "illegal" in chicken law.