new chickens settling in?

[hawkeye185]

Hi to all
I picked up eleven 18 week old chucks today and one 8 week old cockerell and settled them into their new accomodation
the chucks seemed to be picking on the smaller cockerel but he held his own.
Is this nomal or will they all settle down?

cheers Hawkeye185

 

[Chuck]

He is a bit young to be in with pullets of that age. I'd keep a close eye and be prepared to take him out for several weeks if he gets badly picked on.

 

[chrismahon]

We put our young Orpington cockerel in with his future hens too soon as well Hawkeye, but he was 27 weeks old and still only half their size. He had to be taken out and only left with them when they were free ranging so he had space to escape. I often said to the hens when they attacked him they would come to regret it and they did- big time!!!