HELP NEWBIE! INTRODUCING NEW CHICKS TOGETHER

[NUTHOUSE CHICKS]

Hi We just bought our first chickens last Saturday, all now 11 weeks old, 2 French Wheaton Marans, 2 FWM Crosses one with an Araucana and one with a Cream Legbar, 1 Blue Laced Wynadotte Bantam and 1 Black Pekin called Peanut (so cute). My daughter desperately in love with Cochins, so just bought two more a White and a Buff but 18 Weeks! How do we mix them? Is the age difference a big problem? What so I do about the food situation? 11 Week olds still on Chick Crumbs as advised by the breeder. Would be grateful for any advice! Thanks Vix

 

[aart]

All those birds can eat chick starter.
That's one heck of a nice run ya got there!
Integration tips and links below.
But first.....
Welcome to BYC! @NUTHOUSE CHICKS
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[NUTHOUSE CHICKS]

Im in rural UK, surrounded by farmland. Lots of rain generall occassional we have a run of good weather! Thinking of free ranging but lots of predators, foxes, buzzards etc!
Thanks for advice!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site (how to upload photos too):

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops.

What exactly did you Google to get here? <<<<<<<<<<<Click there to go to the thread.

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[NUTHOUSE CHICKS]

Introducing Chickens!