Youngster getting picked on!

[Hansen6dad]

I have 3 Barred Rocks and 1 Partridge Silkie in my flock. They are 12 or 13 weeks old, they are all pullets, and they get along great. I recently got a 5 to 6 week old Rhode Island Red pullet, and everytime I put her in the run the Rocks peck the hell out of her, I know they are showing their dominance, but they are alot bigger and I am afraid they will hurt her. I currently have her in the run but in a smaller cage to keep them from pecking. Should I keep her in the cage for awhile so they can get used to her, or should I let her out and let nature take it's course? Concerned parent!

Hansen6dad

 

[Ducclelover10]

It's never a good idea to put one little chick in a flock of four. My opinion you should not let nature take it's course or you might find a little dead chick. This is very natural for them to gang up on her like that. I would let them spend time together supervised until they are the same size and you feel like they are not going to hurt her. Maybe a divided cage or run for a while.