I know that most people would suggest waiting until all the chickens are the same size to integrate flocks, or put them all together at night in the coop, but I wanted to hear a little more.
I have two 5 week olds (a barred rock and golden comet) and six 1.5 week olds (ee's) that will eventually be put together. The two have a definite pecking order (Big Guy - which I now think is a pullet- takes Nervous Nelly's bugs she catches). The younger six don't really seem to, but there are two that will bully others now and then, but nothing that I would claim to be a set in stone pecking order.
Now the point of this ramble is: Is it possible integration of the flocks will go more smoothly than I expect because the little ones will out number the big ones? If not, what is your suggestion for getting them to know each other? They are in clear tubs side by side so they can see each other and I let the two bigger ones out and they like to perch on the wire covering the little guys and watch them.
So what are your thoughts for this chicken newbie?
Edited for correct ages... sorry about the confusion!
I have two 5 week olds (a barred rock and golden comet) and six 1.5 week olds (ee's) that will eventually be put together. The two have a definite pecking order (Big Guy - which I now think is a pullet- takes Nervous Nelly's bugs she catches). The younger six don't really seem to, but there are two that will bully others now and then, but nothing that I would claim to be a set in stone pecking order.
Now the point of this ramble is: Is it possible integration of the flocks will go more smoothly than I expect because the little ones will out number the big ones? If not, what is your suggestion for getting them to know each other? They are in clear tubs side by side so they can see each other and I let the two bigger ones out and they like to perch on the wire covering the little guys and watch them.
So what are your thoughts for this chicken newbie?
Edited for correct ages... sorry about the confusion!
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