They do still need to determine the pecking order so there is some poking and jabbing but they don’t usually kill each other or cause real harm. If they appear to do this, then they must be separated, but don’t unless it gets really aggressive. This does work better the more room they have.

I do make sure the younger ones are at least a couple to three months old before putting in with big ones unless a hen broods them right in with bigger ones. Do it at a time when you are going to be around the next day to sort of keep an eye on em,, just in case.

Also mentioned above is the fact about water and food for chickens and getting them to lay. They are like the contented cow gives more milk. They need clean fresh water and plenty of food. I personally hate pelleted food as I have experienced cannibalism a few times and always with pelleted food. Throwing a little scratch feed on the floor gives them something to do as they dig it out of the litter.

The also should have 14 – 16 hours of daylight. Mites and lice can also keep them from laying. They draw nutrients from the hen that would go to eggs.