How/when to mix my flock?

[MButerbaugh]

I'm new to chickens and need some advice... I originally started with 3 Austra whites and 4 of some kind of mix with what I believe to be Rhode Island reds. Well of course after a bit I wanted more and ordered 1 barred rock, 1 silver laced Wyandotte, 1 buff Orpington and 8 americaunas. My question is my older girls are about 13-14 weeks old and my new babies are almost 4 weeks old, how and when can I mix them together safely? We have a 4x8 coop with a 12x14 enclosed run. Thanks!

 

[Fred's Hens]

When one broods out 12 chicks from the same hatch, they all "know" each other from day one. The sort out their pecking order rather matter-of-factly and life goes on. When you mix birds not brooded together, the birds' instincts say, "this is an outsider, an intruder". Being different ages and sizes places the little ones at a distinct disadvantage as they cannot physically match up to the chest bumping, stare downs, and harsh pecking that occurs when birds have to "sort things out" in the pecking order.

If they can spend time together, separated by a net, I find this helps, somewhat. I also like to have them out in the yards together, from time to time. They'll avoid each other, or if the "inferior" approaches, it does so at some risk of being driven off. Slowly, carefully, the flocks CAN be merged. Patience is the key. Familiarity parties often work best if held in late evening too, as everyone is little tired and want to go to roost for the night.

The day finally comes when everyone gets along. Sort of.

You just never know. Sometimes it is easy and sometimes it is more difficult, due to personalities and type of birds. It never quite goes the same way every time.

 

[MButerbaugh]

Familiarity parties often work best if held in late evening too, as everyone is little tired and want to go to roost for the night.  

I have actually been thinking about getting them all together outside of the coop and run in a more "neutral" area to socialize on a daily basis before actually mixing them together... Thanks!

 

[funnychick]

I have almost the exact same problem. I have two 13 week old polish, Five 5 week old mixed chicks and thirteen 4 week olds and one turned out to be a turkey! I divided the coop with chicken wire and put the 5 out with the two polish and everything seems great so far. Im thinking this weekend I will try to add the 13. So we'll see how it goes. I will be so happy when everyone is in one place eating the same food!