better to add younger chicks?

[Larson Chicks]

I have 4, 1yr old hens, and 11 2-3mth old chicks. Is it better to combine them at this age or wait? Do they have a harder time if they're 5-6mths old? They've been free ranging together for some time with very little problems.

Thanks

 

[junebuggena]

If they've been getting along while free ranging, go for it. Just be sure to have several feeding and watering stations and a few obstacles for the little ones to hide in or around. You're going to want a few places where the chicks can get out of the way, or out of the older hens' line of sight.

 

[Larson Chicks]

Thanks. So far they pretty much stay out of our top hens way.

 

[junebuggena]

It doesn't take them long to figure who to avoid, does it.

 

[aart]

Where have the chicks been eating/drinking and spending the nights?

How big is your main coop(feet by feet)?
Roosting could be a problem, make sure you have enough room and maybe separate roosts for the 2 groups.