chicken babies hanging out alone

[Anonymous]

I have 3 mommy chickens, a rooster and 6 chicks that are about 3 months old. The older chickens are hanging out together, but the babies are all hanging out some place else during the day. At night they all go into the same coop. Will they eventually start hanging out together? Also, I think that one of the chicks is a rooster, will this make a difference. Will the older rooster hurt the little one? When will I be abe to tell if one of the babies is a boy?

 

[Bertie & The Chooks]

it's pretty normal for them to keep their distance. they have to be 'invited' to the group so to speak. once they reach maturity and they begin to prepare to lay they will find their way in the group. I wouldn't worry too much, as long as they are coming back to the coop at night. you can post a photo of the youngsters and we can see if we can help you with the roo sexing!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for answering back. I will try to take a picture(I'm not a very good photographer). But I do love my chickens

 

[daniellesdogs]

iv got 4 babies that are allways in thick of it but been with broodies from the start in with every thing but the 2 boys who have left broody and another boy (remaining from inc) always alone. they about 20 weeks thankfully no crowing and my big rooster so relaxed no fighting either.
what breeds are they as some breeds wont bother for a longer time than others.
my pure orpington (rip) only attacked when the younger boy started to try hump him
my mix thought he was a girl untill got rid of rooster then turned into syco nut job

 

[foxy]

Yes as commented in the thread very usual behavour for youngsters to almost form their own little huddle specially when mum tires of them and returns back to her original flock.

Older cockerels are usually quite tolerant of sexually immature cockerels and in my experience it is a good way to bring a flock together by having an older cockerel in there to sort out spats, and he will keep any young boys under control

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input. I am going to have to take pictures and post them because I don't even know what kind of chickens I have. I know they are red and lay pretty brown eggs. The rooster is totally different. He is really fancy looking I think. He is mostly a real sleek red, but, he has real pretty blue and green feathers on his bottom half. He is totally the boss of the chicken coop. I think that is why I am afraid that he might hurt the little boy chick. I will take pictures...

 

[chrismahon]

The rooster will not notice the cockerel until he crows so will tolerate him until about 6 months. Then as happened with ours he will start pecking him into line (only top one is allowed to crow) and ultimately will kill him given the chance. So when the little one crows separate him.