introudcing new chicks

[Anonymous]

Hi all
I have a problem which you maybe able to advise me on.. I have hatched two baby chicks under a broody hen who has benn looking after them and been sleeping in a separate coop. however the hen now has started to become less interested in the chicks as they are nearly 8 weeks old and starting to try to roost in the main coop. However the chicks followed her tonight but when the cockerel turned up, he attacked the hen and chased off the chicks..
he is fine with them in the garden but become very agressive when they came into the coop/. in fact i have never seen him that way before.
Can any one give me any idea of what he is doing and how to get around this...?
Many thanks..

 

[Tim]

At 8 weeks old, the chicks should be able to look after themselves - but are still too young to fend for themselves against other adult hens / cockerel.

If it were mine, I would try re-introducing the hen to the flock / cockerel and keep the 8 week olds separated until they are a similar size to the adult birds - there's some tips here on introducing chickens: Introducing chickens.

Putting her in the coop at night is the best plan - hopefully after a few mornings of waking up with her in the coop, the cockerel will get used to her again. If he causes damage / blood she must be removed immediately though. If he accepts her in the garden, that is a good start, he can already tolerate her in an open space.

The pecking order can be a horribly cruel thing sometimes!

Tim