Can I combine Chicks of Different Ages?

[Feath3rDust3r]

Hello, i have some 9 week chicks and some 6 week chicks....My 9 week chicks are in the big coup and i need to add my 6 week chicks because they've outgrown their brooder. Will they be ok together?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Start with a look but don't touch set up the first day or so. They should be fine together once introduction has passed. Also, add extra feeders, waterers, and maybe some visual obstruction they can run around at first.

How many in each group?

 

[Feath3rDust3r]

Start with a look but don't touch set up the first day or so. They should be fine together once introduction has passed. Also, add extra feeders, waterers, and maybe some visual obstruction they can run around at first.

How many in each group?

8 of the big guys....36 of the little guys

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

If you have 36 they should be fine. I would put them in there at night though. What breeds are the 8 older ones?

 

[Feath3rDust3r]

If you have 36 they should be fine. I would put them in there at night though. What breeds are the 8 older ones?

F3 Easter Eggers, Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben, Black & White Frizzel, Silver Barnevelders, Bantam Cochin,Serama Cochin Mix

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

Those are all docile breeds so it will be fine mixing them, I would just watch the barnevelders

 

[aart]

8 of the big guys....36 of the little guys

Hope you have lots of space.
The older birds might be overwhelmed....which may be an advantage, or not.
Keep a close eye on things, and be ready to separate if necessary.
Best of Luck...let us know how it works out.

Here some tips on...
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[Feath3rDust3r]

Yes, i have plenty of space. I have two coups big enough for 30 chickens each with runs attached!! They were here when we moved in!!
we'll take it slow. For now i've added a bunch more brooders in my garage becusse its supposed to get cold again

 

[aart]

I have two coups big enough for 30 chickens each with runs attached!! They were here when we moved in!!

Nice!! Need pics!