I have a mixed brood of 4 and 3 week old chicks who go outside regularly in a small run, the rest of the time they are in our utility room. The rest of the ex battery flock and our resident rooster free range around them and don't seem bothered by their presence; would it be ok to put them out with the flock? Would the rooster protect them all as his flock? I thought it might be easier to mix them whilst they are younger rather than waiting until they were mature. Is this ok???
Its usually better to wait until all of your chickens are about the same size, that way they are all on semi equal ground should they need to defend themselves. That being said, I have had to introduce young chicks to my flock due to some type of drama or another. I place them on the roost with the other birds after its gotten dark, and open the door to let everyone out at sunrise the next morning so the newbies aren't trapped in the coop with everyone else. I also have a large run with plenty of places to hide under/on top of, and I think that really helps too. If your older flock has been free ranging around the chicks for a while, and are used to them they will *probably* be fine. The *probably* being based upon the individual personalities of your chickens, which you know best good luck!
