4 weekers and 9 weekers

[LindseyC]

I wasn't sure if I should put this in this topic or the raising baby chicks topic, so I apologize if this isn't in the correct one. There are a million things to read about integrating new chicks, but I was hoping to find some advice pertaining to my specific situation. I'm still learning (I've learned a lot but still have a way to go) because this is my first experience with raising chickens. I have got 8 chicks that are 9 weeks old. They've been out in our new coop for the past couple of weeks and have had access to the run for the past 3 days. I have a brooder in the garage with 6 chicks that are 4 weeks old. The older ones are 2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 EE, 2 Barred Rocks, a Welsummer, and a Black Australorp. The young ones are a Leghorn, Delaware, RIR, and 2 Bantam chicks.. one is a bit bigger than the other, and I'm not sure of their breed other than they're Bantams. We were going to cut out a side of the brooder box, then use wire to separate and then move it to the coop, so they could get used to seeing each other. I want to integrate them using the path of least resistance, so my question is if this is the best way? Should I just turn them loose since they are in a group, as opposed to just 1 or 2 newbies and if it doesn't go well return to plan A and separate? Of course, there is quite a size difference. The 4 week old Delaware is closest in size to the older girls, but still a bit smaller. There are varied sizes among the younger ones and they seem to be fine among themselves. Just the thought of trying to mix them and one getting injured because it didn't go well gives me anxiety!

I've just seen a lot about introducing chicks to existing flocks, and mixing adult birds, but not much about mixing younger chicks with other young chicks. Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I make sure they have unlimited space with multiple food and water stations and go ahead and mix various ages of chicks. The sooner, the better.

 

[LindseyC]

The littlest Banty is so much smaller than the big girls. It just makes me so nervous!

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Part of the reason you don’t see topics on introducing younger chicks with older chicks is because until most Chickens are about three or four months old,the thought of defending an entire territory really isn’t in their brains,they pretty much could careless.Not saying they won’t pick on younger ones every so often but really is rare.The only issue I have ever seen in young chicks are when males are in the equation,they don’t mind a good fight and from experience some will pick on them,escpecially when they all start flapping around get excited.But,I seriously doubt you will have an issue.Just let em loose.Dont be too concerned if they start pecking them,let them assort a pecking order and if you feel like things are getting too bad,Seperate with them through a wire.But I think within a few minutes they will be huddling together eating.Also you should have roosts outside in the run and stumps that way they can jump and get out the way if things don’t transpire perfectly or so they don’t get bored and start picking fights out of boredom.Also add extra feed stations,probably an extra one is necessary,and maybe another waterer.

 

[LindseyC]

That makes sense! Thank you. I have a ramp into the coop, but no outdoor roosts. I could add a branch or 2 though, or figure something else out. I’ve only got one nipple waterer and a smaller waterer but I’ve got multiple feeders. My husband gets home from out of town tomorrow, so I’m going to wait on him for moral support.

Thank you!

 

[LindseyC]

Another question. It stays around 65 and night. Do you think they’d still need a heat source? They haven’t gone under the heat plate that I know of in weeks.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

They should be fine.

I use branches.I keep small one sat the bottom for my four week olds and big ones high for the adults.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Another question. It stays around 65 and night. Do you think they’d still need a heat source? They haven’t gone under the heat plate that I know of in weeks.

They no longer need heat of any kind. Temperature wise, that's the sweet spot for healthy chickens that age at night.

 

[LindseyC]

Perfect! Thank you! I just bought another larger waterer so that we can have 3, and I’ve got 3 feeders as well. Crossing my fingers that this goes well tomorrow!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Depending on their breeds, it should go just fine.