1 week old and 7 week old chicks integration

[jdragonwings]

So I have 7 week old chicks (six of them) that are now outside and happily enjoying their new run. We just got 6 chicks that are one week old and I'm wondering when we can put them together safely. Our brooder is in the house, and the chicks probably won't be able to go outside until fully feathered (we live near chicago). I guess I'm wondering if it will be easier bc they are all young, maybe a shorter introduction period? I assume the see but not touch method is recommended, but wasn't sure for how long? Should I treat them like adult hens and new chicks, as far as the introduction goes?

 

[1muttsfan]

You will need to let the younger ones grow to where they don't need supplemental heat before putting them out. Once they are old enough, I would mix them all together at one time - it seems like the more birds there are the more confusing it is for them, and the less bullying. Often it is the older chicks that seem the most frightened.