Adding younger chicks to older chicks

[ippolitima]

We recently adopted three now 8 week old jersey giant chicks. I thought I might be overwhelmed but now feel like maybe we could add a few more. A neighbor is selling some 5 week old chicks. Are there advantages to adding a few more now that winter is approaching? (maybe keep each other warmer?) Are the 8 weekers young enough that they will be very accepting of the 5 weekers? Can I put the 5 weekers out in the henhouse if I put a heat lamp out there? It was 32 last night.

Thanks!
Michele

 

[Judy]

I would guess that a war will start if you put them together. Here you go: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-adding-to-your-flock

 

[PamB]

I don't know much about Jersey Giants with regard to temperment. I do know that most people on this site say that the new chicks should be about the same size as the existing chicks before integrating them. Good Luck!

 

[ippolitima]

Sounds like we should just sit tight then. THANKS!

 

[Godiva]

Integrating different size chicks is a risky business, it is possible if you are willing to watch very closely and do the intense management but that still doesn't always work. There is nothing worse than finding a bloodied or dead chick! You could have them together and yet separated by some wire so that they see each other without being able to do each other any damage. Do that for a couple weeks and then try integrating them for gradually increasing lengths of time while you are there to supervise. Of course there is always the possibility that one won't be accepted and then you have to figure out what to do with the outcast. It is easier to add them while they are little, if you have the time to supervise and the set up so that they are separated while you aren't there. I have done this quite often but it is very time intensive and I prefer not to do it! But if you are patient and careful it can be done. So there are some options, just depends how much time and energy you are willing to invest in the process, and whether you have a plan for any that don't integrate. Good luck, enjoy!

 

[Chicken Frenzie]

Quote:
Alright, well I have gotten chickens at different times, I always do! But yes, they peck at each other here or there, but their just seeing whos in command,( I believe,) And its natural ^^ But, if you are having BAD problems (Bleeding,pulling out lots feathers etc...) Try sometyhig new.

 

[elmo]

You also potentially expose your existing chicks to diseases carried by the newbies if you don't quarantine before integrating.

 

[Whimsy]

I am far from an expert, but I just blended my flock of 9 week olds and 9 month olds, Here is the link.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=5067110#p5067110

I did have them separated with a fence for about 5 weeks before the blending.


The small chicks were actually two separate ages also. I put a divider up for several days to let them get used to each other. Can you divide you coop?

If you take your time JG are supposed to be gentle birds I think you could do it. I wouldn't leave them alone at night or long periods of time till you know.

 

[hitnspit]

i have never had had a problem ( thank God). I have my run split in two part. When new birds come i close one part so they have no contact but can still see each other. do this for two days and then let them free range and then they will go to bed together...Seems to work for me......jim