Another integrating chicks question

[cluck-cluck]

Oh dear, you'd think she'd be so happy to be out of those cages that she'd be sweet! Oh well, sorry to hear that! Yes, I *might* try putting them 1. all in a new coop at night placed on the roost, see if that has a chance to work, if not, I'll separate them into a split coop and yard until they're closer in size to each other and get to know each other. If the first attempt works, you can't ask for an easier integration. But if not, back up plan 2 will hopefully get the job done?!?!

 

[Scottyhorse]

I plan on something similar Thanks

Your welcome!

 

[Chicks on DL]

We had a large Rubbermaid storage tote we moved our four into. We made a run for them during the day and brought them in night to sleep in the tote. We did this until they were about three months old. Then they were put into the coop and allowed to free range. At three months my 3 were very well bonded and it made adding a fourth rocky, but they are all one flock now. There are several ways to go about it. It may be easy or it may take several weeks for them to get used to eachother, just keep trying until you figure out what works.

 

[cluck-cluck]

Ours are going to be too big for a tote, I'm afraid. At least we live in a pretty mild climate, and I do hope to have the second coop done in a couple of weeks so I can move them out of the brooder. They'll all be outgrowing the brooder by 6 weeks and will have to go outside. Ugh, and they're already 4 weeks old! Yikes! I better get a move on! Had to do some final clearing up of brush clearing this morning, then I have a heavy log I need to get hubby to help me move, but I've been asking him for a week already

! I guess I'll have to force my son to help me when he gets home, LOL.

 

[Marce705]

I have 3) 2 month olds and 11) one month olds...I've been trying for the last couple days to get them together. My big girls are pretty mean to the little ones. I put them together after having them separated by chicken wire for the entire day and again the next morning, Since I was home to supervise I lifted the divider. They don't actively pursue the babies but they peck them pretty hard when then get close and chase them a bit. The little ones are 1/3 of the size of the big ones. How long should I keep the divider up? I leave the little girls outside in the coop and bring the big ones in the basement at night. (lots of poop) Do I really need to wait until they are all the same size? If so, how long does that take? Thanks so much!!

 

[math ace]

I have 3) 2 month olds and 11) one month olds...I've been trying for the last couple days to get them together. My big girls are pretty mean to the little ones. I put them together after having them separated by chicken wire for the entire day and again the next morning, Since I was home to supervise I lifted the divider. They don't actively pursue the babies but they peck them pretty hard when then get close and chase them a bit. The little ones are 1/3 of the size of the big ones. How long should I keep the divider up? I leave the little girls outside in the coop and bring the big ones in the basement at night. (lots of poop) Do I really need to wait until they are all the same size? If so, how long does that take? Thanks so much!!

Good News.... Since you have MORE younger ones than older ones, you will be able to merge these groups. The older birds are going to pick at the younger ones until the babies acknowledge that the big ones are boss. To merge the groups, give them LOTS of space. Also, provide hiding spots for the younger ones. PLUS, put several feeding and watering stations so that the older birds can not bully the young ones away from the basics.

Try putting the big ones in there slowly... add one big pullet, then a few hours later another big one if things are settling down. That way the hens social order is thrown off a little too. You may want to wait a day or two before adding the last hen to the mix. Each time you add a hen, there will be picking. The chicks will learn to give the older girls their space. This is why you must provide lots of room and hiding spots for the chicks.

They don't actively pursue the babies but they peck them pretty hard when then get close and chase them a bit.

The above sounds normal. As long as they are not chasing them around, it should be OK. The older girls will let the younger ones get closer to them and not pick on them as time goes on. ONCE AGAIN... Make sure the babies have places to hide and access to food and drink. A cramped pen will make the transition harder. LOTS and LOTS of space is key to success. They will act like two separate groups co-existing instead of merging into one group.

 

[Marce705]

thanks so much. You rock.