Flock Integration and space...how old is old enough?

[srhmchlk]

I've been trying to figure this out as well. New to chickens, and I'm winging it! Just trying to work it out as I go.

But this is my brooder box, turned mini coop. I sectioned off my run, and they see each other and don't seem to mind each other's extra presence. Babies are 4 weeks, and my big ones 14 weeks. They have been together about a week now.

Sorry for the crazy rope, it has been deterring anyone from going over. It isn't pretty, but works.

 

[sjturner79]

I've been trying to figure this out as well. New to chickens, and I'm winging it! Just trying to work it out as I go.

But this is my brooder box, turned mini coop. I sectioned off my run, and they see each other and don't seem to mind each other's extra presence. Babies are 4 weeks, and my big ones 14 weeks. They have been together about a week now.

Sorry for the crazy rope, it has been deterring anyone from going over. It isn't pretty, but works.

Nice setup. With 1 hen 1 rooster and 2 chicks I was able to intergrated by 3 weeks old.
Now I have 4 hens 2 roosters and 15 chicks, and will see how I go. I may delay a bit because I think I have one of the hens broody and want her to sit rather than come out and mother the chicks.

 

[LoveThemBirds]

I just added mines when they were two months.I have their grow out pen for intergration.A month later I add them.Now they have growna nd are at their size.

 

[sjturner79]

This was my first lot.

 

[sjturner79]

If your not sure on the temperament and aren't spending all day with the chocks it is usually recommended that you integrate them when they little ones are big enough to successfully defend themselves from the existing flock

 

[srhmchlk]

So if my babies do start flying out of their pen and mingling on their own without issues, I suppose they are fine no matter their size? I want them to be separated for maybe 4 weeks, but have a feeling they won't stay put long.

 

[sjturner79]

So if my babies do start flying out of their pen and mingling on their own without issues, I suppose they are fine no matter their size? I want them to be separated for maybe 4 weeks, but have a feeling they won't stay put long.

Yep as long as the little ones aren't being chased down, pecked at and being blocked from food and water by the big chooks it will be fine. If any of these are happening then you need to intervene.

 

[RizzosPeeps]

Im having a problem getting my 16 week old hens to integrate with my 24 week old hens and rooster. Existing flock has 6 members, adding 2 new ones. They have been together for two days now, the new birds are still hiding most of the day. No blood drawn but they get beat on pretty bad when they come down from the roosting bar. The 6 have been together since they were a couple days old, so have the 2 new ones (Isbar and Jubilee Ameraucana). Maybe the breed of the two new ones, in addition to the length of time both separate parties have been together is what is making it difficult? I have already done the separate integration process of making them visible to each other and letting them free range together for weeks prior.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

I agree with percheronchick. I generally add mine as soon as they are ok to live outside. It seems that they aren't seen as a threat and ignored for the most part. Older birds always have more problems being integrated. I think its like any other animals, the kids can get away with stuff that adults are expected to already know.

That being said, every flock is different.

 

[PacMan1582]

what are the chances my 1 1/2 year old roo tries to kill my 9 wk old roo?