Integrating chicks of various ages

[journey11]

I had a bad time of it with my mail order chicks this spring and now have straight-run chicks of multiple ages.

I already have mixed together chicks that are 3 weeks, 4 weeks and 5 weeks of age. They're doing fine. 14 chicks altogether in this group.

I had to go get some more to fill out my flock so I'd have enough, so I just bought 11 chicks that are 7 weeks old. They are about twice the size of the 3 week old chicks. I need to put them altogether at some point.

From your experience would I have trouble (as in attacking and hurting each other) if I put the two flocks together now? Or am I stuck waiting to put the them together a couple of months from now when grown? The cockerels will be off to freezer camp at that time, except for maybe 1 or 2.

 

[curious chickee]

If possible split the run/coop up with a fence so the can see each other but not get to each other. Some put their brooder right into the coop or use a dog kennel to separate them. This way they can get to know each other with some safety.