Trying to integrate 4 new chicks with 3 older chicks, not working well so far

[Ben_ep1]

Our 4 new chicks are 6.5 weeks old and we’ve been slowly trying to integrate them for the past 2 weeks or so with a little structure I’ve built from an old coop we had. We’ve been letting our 3 year old chickens into the outside area where the structure is and they are able to eat near each other there. Occasionally, if they seemed like they were interacting okay, we would let them free range, but one of our older hens is extremely protective of food and the other hens, so she pecks at the little ones whenever they come near her. Some of her pecks have made one of our chicks bleed from the beak, where she broke through. We tried again today and her behavior was even worse, and we decided to isolate the problem hen. Problem is, one of our new chicks thinks she’s an alpha and runs up to the two other hens looking for a fight. So far the integration process has been tougher than we expected and are afraid to keep free ranging them.

I’ve heard of putting them in the same coop at night, and also maybe even peepers to try to reduce pecking.

Any advice would be fantastic, thank you!

 

[Mrs. K]

Mostly what you need is a place where a chick can escape to, that a mean old birdie cannot follow. I call these safety zones. The chicks can eat and drink not in competition with the older birds.

I have a pen set up, with the barrier about 3-4 inches off the ground. Day one, I set it up so that the chicks can get out of the safety zone, and get into the safety zone from multiple directions. I put the chicks in, with feed and water, and I sit down there with a bit of coffee and wait until a brave one comes out into the big world. Then I stomp my feet, and the little scurries back to safety. Then I leave.

I also have a pallet, out in the middle of the run, a couple of feet away from the above saftey zone. It is flat to the ground, up on a bricks or rocks so that it is a couple of inches off the ground. Chicks can escape under neath that.

Chicks are fast as lightening, and they need to be able to get away from pursuit. Once they figure that out, you are golden, and the amazing thing, is in a week you will see one standing practically underneath some old birdie, eating right next to her. If the chicks, gets a warning, the chick moves away, and what is amazing, 15 seconds later can come right back. It seems like the chick has bowed to the queen, and therefore her presence is allowed.

Mrs K

 

[tviss711]

I agree with Mrs. K!

It can be hard sometimes. In addition to "safety zones", I recommend adding extra feed and water stations, even if temporary, so that the birds are all able to eat and drink without feeling territorial until they are able to coexist without trying to fight. If you're able to provide more "clutter", or objects that help to break the line of sight between the hens and chicks, that is good too. It helps prevent birds from targeting each other, and can make a quick retreat a little easier. There will always be a little bit of squabbling, as the chicks learn that they are indeed not at the top of the pecking order yet. Once they learn that, they will probably keep a respectful distance from the older hens, which usually keeps hens from going after chicks. As long as the chicks have access to other food and water that doesn't "belong" to the hen that is feeling territorial of the existing feeder, they should be able to get used to each other without anyone starving or dying of thirst.

If you feel some of these ideas aren't quite possible for you or you are really worried about the amount of aggression you're seeing, you can always go back to the "see but don't touch" method, which it sounds like you began with. Try feeding them or throwing treats near the barrier so they get used to seeing each others faces around shared resources, and try again after another week or two!

Hang in there, and best of luck to you and your chickies!

 

[Ben_ep1]

Update!
We have added lots of safety zones, including a pallet, which works great! @Mrs. K

Also an abundance of food has been instrumental at giving the chicks a chance to go out of their safety zones to a different feeding area where the big hens aren’t. @tviss711

They are learning a ton about avoiding the big girls, and progressing well. The problem is the bully hen is still overly aggressive. More often than not, when a chick comes within 4 ft of her, she’s looking for a fight. Today, one of the chicks accidentally ran by her when trying to escape and the big girl pounced and then really badly pecked our chick, plucking four feathers out in the process and likely causing blood underneath her coat. Not sure if it was purely out of defense considering her nature, but the chick did come running at her.

They are doing really well otherwise, but it’s always a horror movie rollercoaster when we try to integrate them for an hour or two, it feels like.

Any additional advise? Thanks