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New chicks introduced into an established flock will often be harassed by all members of the flock. It can go on longer than a few days, and sometimes not be effective to introduce them to the old flock. The pecking order must be maintained therefore the new chicks get picked on. Try not bringing in chicks fresh from the brooder until they are large and fast enough to escape the bullies (that means AT LEAST the same size as the others in the coop). Y ou will often have more trouble from the older hens than you will from the rooster since usually a few more added to his harem makes no difference. If the momma hen is with them they stand a better chance of making it as she will try to guard them but since babies are curious they may wander into harms reach. It may be best if you simply hand-rear chicks that you hatch yourself (not with a broody) and then introduce them when they are old enough. This way the chances of you losing birds because of bullies decreases dramatically.

It is possible for the old flock members to kill one of your new chicks.

I suggest before introducing the chickens, get a washcloth. Find the chicken that is head of the pecking order. Rub the washcloth on their vent, then rub the cloth all over the chicks. This will help! Also, give them a few things to snack on so they aren't too focused on the chicks. And be sure to watch them! Fights will occur, but do not let them kill each other! if you have a breed that is just smaller than your old flock's, i suggest making a separate area for them. No matter what I did, my small silkies and dwarf silkie could not be integrated with the bigger hens.

If your chicken is just young, I would wait till it got bigger to start moving them in. Make sure to keep an eye on them!

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9y ago

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