How to integrate 12wk with 8wk chicks

[Bird Lady]

HELP! I have 4 BO that are 12 weeks and a BR, 2 Cochins that are 8 wks, and finally 4 GLW<SLW (2 each). The BOs have been in outside coop/run since they were 6wks, the others are still in house waiting to go out. I have let them all outside in my yard quite a bit, but the BOs stay to themselves. They don't seem to have tolerance for the younger girls. I would like them to all be together out in coop/run. By the way the coop is 4x8 and the run so far is 8x8. Any suggestions on how to keep the younger girls from getting pecked!??? I am worried.......thanks Bird Lady

 

[mnferalkitty]

I would just toss them in and give them plenty of hiding spots I would only seperate if I seen blood, they will get picked on a bit but that will stop once everyone has established the pecking order

 

[Vicky2479]

I'd do the same, or you could separate with a temp barrier for a day or 2, you may find that they settle into a kind of truce but never really become great friends, I have 1 flock of 6 but they are sort of subdivided in to 3, the first 3 I got that I raised from 1 week old together, then 1 bantam hen that I rescued and then 2 SLW x that are afew months younger than the first lot, they all live together just fine but you can certainly see who hangs with who.

 

[Bird Lady]

Thanks, I was kinda going that direction, but wanted comformation I am adding on to run and coop so there will be some more room.

Just love my chickens!