/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    If you're already a member of our community, click here to login & click here to learn what's new!

Why are my big chickens still piccking on the little ones?!

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by MKKimmen, Aug 29, 2010.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Aug 29, 2010 #1
    MKKimmen

    MKKimmen Out Of The Brooder

    70
    0
    41
    May 19, 2010
    Michigans Upper Peninsula
    Our 6 month old Chickens still are pecking a gang up on our 3 month old chickens! They have been in the coop together now for over a month. The 3 month old ones are fenced off inside with chicken wire to keep them separate from the older ones but to where they can still interact and see each other, but every time we try to let them out to be together the older ones kind of attack and gang up on and peck the little ones still! How long is this going to last?!
     
  3. Aug 29, 2010 #2
    DAFox

    DAFox Chillin' With My Peeps

    382
    6
    111
    Nov 7, 2009
    SW MO in Vernon Co
    It will last until they are the same size. Don't put them together until the younger ones are at least 4 months old. Then, don't interfere unless there is blood. The females will work out the pecking order. On the other hand if you are trying to introduce Roos...I only do it away from the hens and with plenty of supervision and a garden hose.
    Good luck,
    Dale-Ann
     
  5. Aug 29, 2010 #3
    4 luv of eggs

    4 luv of eggs Chillin' With My Peeps

    400
    0
    119
    Apr 22, 2010
    Westminster, MD
    Mine still do the same thing. My 22 week olds still pick on my 16 week olds. My one production red is losing her tail feathers. They seem to pick on her the most. I just wish they'd stop.
     
  7. Aug 29, 2010 #4
    al6517

    al6517 Real Men can Cook

    10,684
    92
    321
    May 13, 2008
    It's called a pecking order, it's just their way and it will continue until it's worked out, don't freak just yet until there is blood then seperate again. I know that's always a hassle.

    AL
     
  9. Aug 30, 2010 #5
    MKKimmen

    MKKimmen Out Of The Brooder

    70
    0
    41
    May 19, 2010
    Michigans Upper Peninsula
    So I should put them together then?
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by