What kind of behaviour is 'allowed' when introducing younger chicks to older chicks

[Moosli]

Hello fellow Chickeners

Two days ago I introduced my 5-6 week old chicks (3 Barnevelders, 2 Legbar 1 Araucana) to the older chicks (" Brahma Bantams & 2 Silkies) which are 11 weeks old. I made a pen in the big chicken run last week so they had a chance to get used to each other over a week. Then Two nights ago I introduced the chicks at night into the coop. That went reasonably well, they all settled down within about 10 minutes.
Incidentally, the older ones don't roost - they huddle up in one of the egg-laying boxes.
Anyway, one of the Brahmas, his name is Santosh, is definitely a cockerel, and he has been chasing the chicks around a bit during the day. He's not pecking them hard, but he chases them around every now and again, especially when they get a bit bold and emerge into the centre of the run, and he chases them away from their food, so I have to shoo him away so they get a look-in. The other Brahma and the Silkies don't seem to be bothered by the little ones at all.
Today I have put a mirror in the run, as well as a couple of cds to distract him a bit.

What I need to know is, does Santosh's behaviour sound natural? How long will it take for them to become one group, rather than the 'them and us' situation we have right now?

Many thanks for all your help and input.

Marina

 

[Judy]

They may never become one group. i would put out another feeder and waterer, away from the ones you have. If they don't draw blood, i wouldn't worry about the pecking.

 

[OneLostHen]

Im sure they can/will coexist well. But as said before, they may never be one solid flock.

My birds for instance are three separate flocks living together. See in this picture, I have Rojo and Marble, purchased them together, best of buds! Then little Silvia, got her alone, she keeps to herself usually... The big momma, Blanca and her two Guinea "Children" they follow her everywhere!!


Thus I have two separate feeders and waters because while they dont fuss anymore, they still arent one solid unit..
Hope this helps!!!!

 

[1QueenBee]

I have six RIRs and three Silver Leghorns that I got in mid-April...the RIRs hang together and the SLs hang together, but they don't all hang together. One of the SLs (the smallest) used to hang with one of the RIRs, but not anymore...now all the RIRs seem to get after her if she gets to close.

 

[Pharmacy Chick]

The second waterer/feeder is a great idea.

 

[BButterfly]

Well, I introduce new chickens A-LOT! I also go about it the same way you describe. I put them in a run that everyone on the outside can see and keep them in there for a couple weeks. Then at night when I feel it's time I put them in the big coop with everybody, so the next day they all wake up together. You have to expect that there is going to be some chasing and challenging, but as someone said as long as there's no blood it's just them setting up a pecking order again. This will also happen when younger birds become of age they want to challenge others to see if they can move up the pecking order. It's totally normal once its all figured out its peace again. I also advise many feeders and water station's in different areas. it just lessens any stress that may arise.