how will i get my chicks in the coop w/ the big girls?

[bj taylor]

the "big girls" are 4 month old. haven't started laying yet. the chicks are about 5 weeks old. they are sharing the run now. the big ones will run at the little ones sometimes but not really try to do anything.
the little ones continue to return to their temporary coop at night. when will they try to follow the big girls into the coop & do i need to do anything to help this out?
thanks

 

[Christie Rhae]

I would keep them separate until they are similar size. If you can really watch them and the chicks have somewhere to hide if they start getting bullied it might be ok. I doubt the other girls will let the chicks stay in the coop at night.
When chickens start roosting in one spot they always want to go back to it. When your chicks are ready you could try taking away their temporary coop, put a night light in the main coop. You may have to put them into the coop and lock them in for a few nights in a row. But like I said, I would not chance it with 5 week olds and 4 month olds.

 

[bj taylor]

thanks christie rhae. i needed to hear that. i have been known to rush things. i sure don't want injuries or fatalities. i'll just bide my time.

 

[azygous]

I guess you didn't return to your original thread on this subject. I left two comments there for you to try. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/661701/integrating-5-or-6-wk-olds-to-4-month-olds#post_8934221