Integrating chicks?????

[LindaJean]

I have 9 chicks that are 4 weeks old and 26 that are 2 1/2 weeks old. Lots of difference between the two in size. Soooooooooooo, I thought they should be able to get alont together. Wrong, Wrong, Wrong. The bigger chicks were OK for a little bit, then they started pecking and chasing the smaller ones 'til they were huddled in a corner. I separated them, but at some point they've got to be together. When would that be???????

 

[Fierlin1182]

You should try and integrate them early, later on the younger ones getting pecked can sometimes get stressed and it'll interfere with egg laying. What some suggest is putting the two groups in the same brooder, but separated with a divider that they can see each other through. Once they're used to each others' presence (maybe a few weeks) you can let them out together.
Or you can also put a small hole in the divider that only the younger ones can fit through, so they have somewhere to escape from the pecking. Two food and water stations also help.
Good luck.