A question about mixing flocks

[Crickett]

I have 17 soon-to-be four-week-olds who will be going into the coop tuesday. I have 8 more who will be a week old (give or take) Saturday. I also have 26 eggs due to hatch at that time. The question, When and how do I combine them all? I don't have room for three coops! And I don't want the bigger birds to pick on the babies.

 

[spotsplus]

One way or another each time you add new birds (or take any away) there is going to be a change in the leadership (pecking) order. Weaker/smaller birds usually take the brunt of the change in order. I personally do not let my "babies" out with adults until the young ones are atleast 4 months old and have enough room to get away. Right now I have 4 3 month olds and 3 adults. I have to rotate the grass turnout area for them to free range on because one of the adults is really tough with the young ones. Plus the 3 month olds are banties and two of the three adults are standards.

I know that probably doesn't help but when you do decide to have them "meet" be around so you can help out any that get too rough.

 

[cobrien]

They should be of similar size before you introduce them. Try to keep them in visual contact but separated until then, like maybe a small coop / cage / dog crate within the big coop. In my experience, the more they eat and drink near each other the less territorial they are.