How young is too young

[Zwillingsmama]

I have 5 two year old chicken and got a couple of weeks ago 3 new ones. They are 5 1/2 weeks old. Last week I split the coop (9x16) so they could see each other but not touch. Yesterday I gave them supervised visits and nothing really happened an occasional charge but no contact. Today I configured the door for the little ones in a way they can go in, but not the big ones. I see them mingle without any incident.
can I just leave that set up? Do I continue to supervise and if so for how long? When is the point that I can just have them unsupervised. Their run is an additional 8 x 30.

 

[Mamatomany123]

I really think it depends on your chickens. I have 3 week olds who have been brooded in the coop since day 1. they got out yesterday and the big girls dont care about them. I would continue to make sure the babies are ok but if it's working then let it continue.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since you know the chicks know how to use the door now, you no longer need to constantly supervise (though I like to keep an ear perked for chick cries). I'd leave the safety door in place for now so they can continue using it if needed.

If no real issues arise and the chicks are comfortable in the adult's space you can remove it in a week or so. There isn't a magic timeline on this, you just have to gauge by behavior.