Combining Different Age Chicks - 3 weeks v. 5 weeks

[JimmyMack]

Hello Chicken Pros out there! I have a question please. Looking for advice.

I have 4 chicks that are 5 weeks old. Another set of 9 chicks that are 3 weeks old. I have them in the same general area, but separated by some sire mesh, each with their own food and water setups. I am thinking of trying to combine them together. Instead of a wire mesh to separate, I am thinking about using something with big enough holes (i.e. milk crate) to allow the small chicks to navigate through to a "safe zone" (in the event the small chicks need a space to get away from the bigger chicks). In turn, the larger chicks will not have access to the safe zone because they won't be able to pass through the gateway.

If I think some of the smaller chicks may get picked on, am I rushing things to try and blend the flock?

The ultimate goal is to introduce these 13 chicks to my older flock of 4 adult chickens when this group of chicks are 8 and 10 weeks old respectively. See attached pics for an idea on the size of the chicks. For an idea of scale, the picture with two older chicks shows them next to a 16 oz plastic soda bottle with 4" pvc pipe in the background. The younger chick pics are harder to see. The one of the younger chicks shows 2" pvc piping and a normal sized heat lamp.

Thanks for your thoughts and ideas. - Jim


2 of the older chicks - 5 weeks old.
.

Younger chicks - 3 weeks old.


3 weeks old.

 

[donrae]

Your 3 and 5 week old birds should be fine to be combined. Setting up a creep like you said would work, but may not be necessary. At this age they're still getting used to the idea of social dominance, not heavily invested in status as older birds are.

Myself, I'd wait until the littles are 12 weeks or so before putting them in with the big girls. Be sure to have lots of space and some hiding places to let them get away from the adults.

 

[JimmyMack]

Thanks Donrae,

Worked out well. No problems at all.