Chicken fever: Can I mix day old roos with 3 week old pullets

[DanIndiana]

I apparently can't stop. 20 DP pullets 3 weeks old, keeping for eggs. 25 day old 'fry pan special' DP roosters for meat in the fall. Can they all stay together the whole time, or will there be problems before harvesting? I'm running out of space. Can the day old roos go in with 3 week olds right away? I really should plan better. Too fun.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

they can go in now without may issues, but you will want to take them out when they start to crow or they will harrass your hens too much.

 

[Bossroo]

Due to age differences and without a momma for protection, the day olds just may be hen pecked mercylessly in a bloodthirsty manner. I would house them seperatly.

 

[Tiffrz-N-Kidz]

I put a day old in with a 3 week old. (Only 1 hatched from each batch). The 3 week old pecked the bitty one once, I reprimanded him and after that the older one took on a momma hen attitude to the little one. Even let the little one nuggle under his wing when I was late turning the heat lamp on one night. Not sure how that would work in a grander scale, but one on one they did fine.

 

[Oregon Blues]

I would not put day old chicks in with older birds. They are defenseless at that age.

Put a divider in your brooder, or make them their own brooder.

 

[BairleaFarm]

I mix everything all ages together and have very few issues. I do, and suggest you to, to watch them very closely. I monitor them constantly all day and check for wounds the first few nights just to be sure. Usually by 10 days old they are in with the older birds and free ranging. Havent lost a one(chicken wise) yet. Seems every flock and every opinion is different so to each his own.