Chicks of various ages

[ChickenMama18]

We have two new australops a few days old, then we have two EEs about 2 1/2 weeks old, and then we have two barred rocks aproximately 5 weeks old. We want this flock to stay together. Right now the little ones are seperate (but they can see each other) til they grow up a bit. I'm realizing I'm having a problem age wise when it's time to go out. I'dl like them all to go out together as a flock. The barred rocks are almost ready, but it will be weeks til the australops are ready. What should I do? Any ideas?

 

[ChickenMama18]

Here's a picture of the group taken today:

 

[Gonzo]

Wait a week or two, then start socializing them a few hours at a time, watching them... They'll do fine.

 

[ChickenMama18]

gonzo&hispeeps :

Wait a week or two, then start socializing them a few hours at a time, watching them... They'll do fine.

So...go ahead and let the older ones out when they're ready and then re-introduce the little ones a bit at a time? If it's warm out I always let them out for a while during my work break. I could do that as well. Yes?​

 

[lovinlife]

Sounds like it would work. Keep an eye on them when they're out to make sure the older ones aren't picking on the younger ones. Increase the time they're together and go with your gut feeling. If you think they're getting along fine, let them stay together a bit longer. Eventually, they'll be fine together all the time.

 

[ChickenMama18]

You make a good point...I can't really watch them on my lunch break so I'll have to do that after work and on weekends. I just hope they don't forget each other. You know?

 

[lovinlife]

When my young ones are old enough, I keep them in a pen adjacent or in the chicken run so the older hens get used to the younger ones. I let the young ones out when the older ones are free-ranging and haven't had any problems with them getting along. The young ones usually stay in the run and don't venture out into the big world until a few days later, but they all roost together at night. I do this on the weekend and after Sat and Sun together, they're good to go on Monday. I leave them together all the time after that.

 

[ChickenMama18]

Quote:
Do you let them roost together the first day you let the young ones explore the coop or do you wait til they go out and free range with the big ones?

 

[lovinlife]

It depends. If they're getting along, yes.

During the week, the chickens only get out of their run if I get home early enough for them to get at least an hour free ranging. On the weekend, I'll let them out in the morning when I feed the horses, so they're out all day long. That's when I let the young ones out. I have a smaller run connected to my big run with a small gate. I'll leave the gate open and the young ones can roost where they're comfortable.

In other words, I don't separate them to roost. Night time is not when they pick on the younger ones. It's during the day when they're awake. That's why I let them out again in the morning.

 

[ChickenMama18]

Got it, that makes sense. Thanks!