adding younger chicks to older chicks

[HappyHenMama]

thank you everyone for replying. The little ones are sleeping in the coop with the older ones tonight in a wire dog crate but there in there. I will put them back in the run tomorrow in there area and do this for a few days. I am having a hard time not running out there and checking on them but I am sure there ok. again thank you everyone for replying. I am new at this chicken thing and without this website and all of you I would be lost

I hear ya...I have had small flocks of chickens for 3 years now and I really don't know what I would do without all the wonderful help and the experience that is shared on this site. This forum is always here when you have a question and it really makes me feel supported to know I can come here Anytime! Actually, I think I'm addicted at this point. LOL! This is the first site I check when I log on everyday.

 

[kearstin17]

Now when I go to put the chickens together is it best to put them together in the morning or should I put them together at night when I am putting them to bed?

 

[animallover505]

probably night or early morning.

 

[HappyHenMama]

I found it best at night...they are relaxed and going to bed and so you usually won't see any scuffels then. I put them on the roost with the others but put them on the other end away from the others. Anyway, when they get up in the morning everyone will go about their usual business and you will probably see a little pecking, which is normal. The older ones need to let them know what the pecking order is and that will last a week or so. Keep an eye on them to make sure no one is being hurt...in other words, make sure there is no blood shed. They should do fine. Also, let them out to free range together. This helps give everyone space. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

If you want to add them during the day, I would do it in a "free range" situation, but frankly, I found that it's better if everyone knows where their "home" is first, so that's why I add them at night by putting them on the roost with the others. This is what worked best for me.