Confused about combining flocks.

[chicks13]

Hello, I picked up some baby silkies that are two weeks old and my older chicks are 6 weeks old and the breeder said that I can just combine them because they are young but I have seen some pecking by the older chicks and I decided to split them up because the older chicks are hurting the little ones. I don't know if I should wait until I bring them into the coop or just do it now.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I picked up some baby silkies that are two weeks old and my older chicks are 6 weeks old

That's too far apart and not a very smart "breeder".

They have different heat requirements and the six week old chick will be well on in their pecking order... plus if not bantams... maybe a bit tougher too. A couple weeks difference is often okay.. but there are MANY variables.. your's aren't in favor of this plan.

When you are ready to introduce them again... use a "look but don't touch" set up... after a couple days of seeing.. open a small whole for the littles to go in and out and be able to escape the bigs.. after they are getting on well together without too much harassing... get rid of the escape hatch... adding extra feeders and some visual barriers... open ended so they don't get cornered.

Do it when YOU are ready.. before anyone does get hurt.

Are your older chicks off of supplemental heat already?

 

[chicks13]

Yes, my older chicks don't use a heat lamp anymore. Thanks so much for the info I find it very useful. Also, how do I know if my silkies are bantams?