Can I pair older chicks with younger chicks

[Savethereptiles]

Hey guys, I just got back into the hobby of taking care of chickens. About a month ago I hatched out some babies from my older flock ( I hatched them not a hen so they are not around any older chickens), and I've been free ranging them in one of my pastures they're doing great! But I have some chicks they're going to hatch out and maybe another week and I was wondering if I could put them in with my one months, and if the one month would take care of them and keep them warm?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

No. She'll see them as competition for the resources her chicks need and will likely attack them

 

[RUNuts]

Hey guys, I just got back into the hobby of taking care of chickens. About a month ago I hatched out some babies from my older flock ( I hatched them not a hen so they are not around any older chickens), and I've been free ranging them in one of my pastures they're doing great! But I have some chicks they're going to hatch out and maybe another week and I was wondering if I could put them in with my one months, and if the one month would take care of them and keep them warm?

No.
Until the separate groups are integrated and accept each other, they will be viewed as strangers. Even then, they may not huddle all together but in their separate groups.

Search the site for integration tips and tricks for how to introduce.

Best wishes!

 

[red horse ranch]

I've read that 3 weeks difference is the most that should allow for different age chicks to be together. In my own flock I have found that 2 weeks is sometimes too much difference. Once the youngest ones are over a month old you might be able to put yours together but I would be cautious about a 5 to 6 week difference in age.
I wouldn't expect older chicks to keep the young ones warm. Babies need heat until at least 6 weeks old.

 

[Savethereptiles]

I've read that 3 weeks difference is the most that should allow for different age chicks to be together. In my own flock I have found that 2 weeks is sometimes too much difference. Once the youngest ones are over a month old you might be able to put yours together but I would be cautious about a 5 to 6 week difference in age.
I wouldn't expect older chicks to keep the young ones warm. Babies need heat until at least 6 weeks old.

Ya thanks, I've been reading up on other people's posts and it can work but sometimes it doesn't, I'll be home for the holidays so I'll keep a close eye on them, and don't worry in their little chicken tractor there's a heat plate for the heat source if anyone else has any tips for introducing the chic
ks or anything be sure to let me know