Flock Information

[Cdb235]

I have just started my flock, consisting 4 chickens at roughly 10 weeks old. We obtain 2 additional chicks that are 5 weeks old. We’ve lost one of our 5 week old chicks unfortunately. The last remaining 5 week old I feel is too small to be fully introduced to my older girls. What should I do with the 5 week old? They’re flock animals and I’m not sure how to go about having one on its own! Any insight, information or advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sourland]

I'd try a monitored integration. At those ages there may be no problems.

 

[Cdb235]

I'd try a monitored integration. At those ages there may be no problems.

Thank you for the welcome! They’ve been together since we brought the little ones home prior to the big girls going into the coop. And as of a few days ago we started the soft intro with them being near each other but separated by fencing. Do you think at five weeks old the size difference would be a problem?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Do you think at five weeks old the size difference would be a problem?

It's not about size. It's the fact that the 10 week olds don't yet have an adult type pecking order that you might be able to sneak in the 5 week old without them really caring. That said, best to supervise the first time they're together to make sure there's no obvious issues.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I'd try a monitored integration. At those ages there may be no problems.

^^^ This is the way.

I routinely integrate 4 week old chickens with 7 week old chickens as I introduce the last hatch into the prior hatch to make room in the brooder for the new hatch.

 

[Cdb235]

It's not about size. It's the fact that the 10 week olds don't yet have an adult type pecking order that you might be able to sneak in the 5 week old without them really caring. That said, best to supervise the first time they're together to make sure there's no obvious issues.

Great information thank you!

 

[Cdb235]

^^^ This is the way.

I routinely integrate 4 week old chickens with 7 week old chickens as I introduce the last hatch into the prior hatch to make room in the brooder for the new hatch.

Did you ever run into temperature issues with your chicks ranging in age? 7 week olds may not need a heat source but wouldn’t the 4 week olds? My 10 week olds are in the coop day and night but the 5 week old is out during the day but in the brooder with a heat source at night. Not for much longer cause it’s warming up here in Texas

 

[rosemarythyme]

7 week olds may not need a heat source but wouldn’t the 4 week olds?

What are you lows? I have 4 week olds off heat in mid 40s without issue, but I'm also pretty aggressive about weaning them off heat (they're raised outside in the run with a heating pad.)

 

[Cdb235]

What are you lows? I have 4 week olds off heat in mid 40s without issue, but I'm also pretty aggressive about weaning them off heat (they're raised outside in the run with a heating pad.)

No where near the 40s. Lately it’s been low to mid 60s

 

[rosemarythyme]

No where near the 40s. Lately it’s been low to mid 60s

Oh that will be no problem then. I have 2 week olds that are happy to stay out all day in those temps.