Can I put chicks with the other chickens ?????

[digger MN]

I have some chicks that are about a month behind the older ones. Can I put them in with the others?? They are in a area that is right next to the older ones and have been there for about a month or two. I am woried that they may get into layer food from the other ones. I just what to move there coop by the others. Thanks for any help

 

[orpingtonbabies]

How old are they? Can they see each other at this point? Do they seem comfortable? If so, I'd say try it out under close supervision and see how it goes

Good luck!

 

[digger MN]

About 12 weeks old. And yes they can see each other. Will it hurt them any to start on the layer food I have in other pen. Oh the only thing between them is chicken wire.

 

[azygous]

If it's just the layer feed that is concerning you, I solved that problem when I was in a similar situation with different ages by offering everyone flock raiser feed with oyster shell on the side for the older girls. When the younger ones approach point of lay, you can switch back to layer feed for everyone, or do what I do - mix it half and half for a higher protein ration. They seem to enjoy the taste of flock raiser more than layer feed.

A month difference in age shouldn't be a huge problem as far as them all getting along. They'll work out a pecking order quickly, and, with the exception of the one who finds herself at the very bottom, should co-exist with little problem.

 

[digger MN]

Hey I put them together yesterday. I let the buffs out yesterday and they loved it in fact this morning one did fly over fence to get back with the gang. Today the rest went out and you could not even tell it was first time together. Thanks for the help.