Integrating chicks with chicks

[RGL1047]

Hi everyone, I'm brand new to chicken keeping having finally started with three 8 week old Barnevelders the other day. We are thinking that our coop may be a little big for just three of them when winter arrives so have decided to get two Salmon Faverolles to go with them.

I am aware of the issues with integrating new birds to an established flock but was just wondering if that is likely to be the same with birds at this young age who have only just arrived themselves. The Faverolles are also 8 weeks old.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

No coop is too big.
I'm going to assume you think more birds in a tight coop will keep them warmer.......
......not true at all. Read the articles on Space and Ventilation linked in my signature to learn why.

If the first group of birds has only been in residence a couple days.....
......you might avoid the territoriality issues that are the basis of most integration difficulties.
But be ready to separate if blood flies.

 

[BruceAZ]

when they are about the same size there's no problem

some of my chickens are 1-2 weeks apart

as long they are the same size

 

[RGL1047]

I can separate them during the day as their run can be split in half but would struggle with an alternative coop for the nights. Are they less likely to fight in the coop at night as it will be dark and they will hopefully be tired?

 

[aart]

when they are about the same size there's no problem

some of my chickens are 1-2 weeks apart

as long they are the same size

No, not about equal size.... but about territory and resources(food/water).
Equal size just makes the fight more even, if there's going to be a fight.

 

[BruceAZ]

No, not about equal size.... but about territory and resources(food/water).
Equal size just makes the fight more even, if there's going to be a fight.

that's why equal in size is important

you can keep the same amount of water and food around

test it out with chickens that are a lot smaller in size vs the ones that are 2x as big and then the ones that are pretty much the same size

the small ones are more likely get picked on..


in a way.. it's similar to humans..