Outta Here
Songster
- May 17, 2021
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That idea really works, CaroleW! This year I bought chicks 4 weeks apart. I'll never do that again if I can help it! I built a door with wire mesh between the two groups and started the day old chicks under their light so they were visible to the 4 week old ones. It wasn't until they were about 6-7 weeks old that I could dare allow them to be outside while the others were free ranging, and then only practically on my lap. Then I nailed the dividing door open just a bit and started letting the younger ones dash into the main pen. They always got pecked and chased, but they had somewhere only they could fit and not the bigger ones. It takes a looong time to integrate two "flocks" even when they are so close in age.Others have more experience with that - but I would keep them separate for a while or maybe within sight of each other until the littles can hold their own. Then maybe secure their door open just enough so only littles can get in or out to freedom or safety at their choice.
Now they are 19 weeks and 15 weeks old. The older ones still peck them away from the food or the roost, but I don't worry about true violence and harm anymore. But the first "flock" still hangs out together and the last "flock" still hangs out together....
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