How old are my chickens? And HELP! concerning integration - yes or no?

[chxmama]

We picked up a buff orpington and golden laced wyandotte expecting them to be much older/bigger, but they seem very close in age to my current 7 week blue EE (the gray colored bird). They were aged at 14/15 weeks, but they seem too small to me to be that old. Am I wrong? Any ideas on age?

We've integrated them in with our 7 weeker and they seem to be doing well together aside from the typical pecking order snips Just minor stuff, no big ruckus. So I'm thinking they should all be ok in the same coop/run set-up?

Would appreciate your insight!

Lots of pics to help identify age:

 

[GitaBooks]

Beautiful birds!


I agree, they look under 10 weeks of age, probably around 6-8. They should do well in the coop if they seem to be getting along now. Make sure they aren't getting chased away from the food or water.

Best of luck!

 

[chxmama]

Ok, put them in the coop for the night and things didn't go as smoothly. Lots of picking/aggression from the wyandotte and screeching, trying to hide and anxiety from the other 2, but mostly the "youngest" (EE - gray bird). I could let them alone for the night, but a little nervous about that. Should I be? Put the EE in her small kennel in the big girl coop so she's safe, but has company and left the other 2 in the smaller coop since they came to me together.

Thinking they will be alright together in the run again tomorrow since they were today, but maybe keep them separate at night for a bit?
How should I proceed?

*Just a little back story . . .
The EE had 2 coop mates from hatch who turned out to be roosters and went to a friends farm this past Thurs. Since then, I've been paypenning the pullet with our big girl flock. These 2 new pullets were much younger/smaller than what we anticipated adding to our flock at this time, but seemed like the perfect answer for companionship to our newly "orphaned" pullet.

 

[junebuggena]

Just take things slowly. There will be some pecking, chasing, and fighting until they get used to each other and establish their pecking order. It's okay if it takes a few days or weeks for them to all get along well.

 

[chxmama]

Just take things slowly. There will be some pecking, chasing, and fighting until they get used to each other and establish their pecking order. It's okay if it takes a few days or weeks for them to all get along well.

I edited my post above to add a bit more info.
Is it good that I separated the younger (atleast I think she's younger) pullet tonight or should I be keeping all 3 together to sort it out?

Do you think she (gray EE) looks much younger than the other 2 pullets? How old would you guess the wyandotte, orpington to be?

 

[junebuggena]

If you feel comfortable letting them stay together at night, go for it. If you would be more comfortable waiting until they are a cohesive flock during daytime hours, that's okay too.

 

[chxmama]

Another good day together in the run. Into the coop together tonight, but will give the younger EE some more time to be safe in her own cage. I think a couple nights this way and I will be able to let the cage door open and let her choose where she feels safest.