Chicken intergration... a few questions.

[greatchicken]

I will be putting my 8 week old chicks with my 12 week olds. So I have just 2 questions.

1) Is it better introduce all at one time or just a few at a time? I have 17 that need to be moved in. They have been in a small area in the coup so the other girls can see them.

2) I have 5 bantams. How do I integrate them? They are so small.

Thanks

 

[gamebirdsonly]

When I want to mixe different age chicks I try to put all together so the older ones won't just have a couple to pick on and won't single out the one new bird because theres alot so don't have any problems.

If that makes sense

 

[Desert Peep]

I'm integrating 2 flocks now also; 6-5 week olds and 6-8 month olds. The run has been divided into separate areas for each with light fencing so they can see each other. I've also been letting them out to free range together for about an hour each afternoon. So far, so good. The little ones have taken a few pecks from the 'big" girls, but no major events. At night they go to their separate runs and into the coop to roost.