integrating smaller chicks with larger chicks

[photo chick]

We have had a series of unfortunate circumstances lately thanks to a family of pesky raccoons. So now we are starting our flock all over again. We have 2 older chicks (about 4 weeks old) and 8 newer chicks (about a week and a half old). We have had to separate them because the older chicks are picking on the younger chicks. How do I go about integrating them? Today we put the older chicks into our outside coop and would love to have the young chicks follow shortly. What do you recommend?

 

[what did I do]

You just have to waite until they have all their feathers. So, when the younger chicks are about 4 weeks old you can mix them.

 

[photo chick]

Thanks. Do I just put them all together or sneak them in at night? I was thinking of creating some kind of chicken wire barrier so they could look and smell each other but not hurt each other. Not sure if this would help the transition.

 

[Nicole01]

The only thing that works for me is slow integration. Even at this age.:/. I had to separate a group by using a wire dog kennel. When I did this for the first time I would switch out groups of who went into the dog kennel. I have a roost in the dog kennel to give more space.

I usually keep them separated in the coop for a minimum of 4-6 weeks before putting the new group on the roost. I do make sure the youngest group is the same size as the others and able to stand up for themselves if an older one wants to challenge.

I have a bully in my oldest group. By integrating this way, she has actually accepted the younger ones. I'm on my 3rd integration in a year. I try and put the youngest out in the coop ASAP in the dog kennel. The longer they are in there separated, the smoother the integration is. I also free range and the youngest ones start free ranging at 2 months of age. They usually stay away from the older group.

My 3 I integrated this spring is now free ranging with my one year old hens. Before they hung out in their own little flock.

If I would of thrown any of them without slowly integrating, I'd have a big problem and cannibalism amongst my older hens. Once one starts picking on a chick others follow!

 

[photo chick]

thanks - that sounds like a lot of work!

 

[centrarchid]

I mix such fairly frequently with minimal trouble.


Pull older chicks out and place them somewhere else and since only two separate them from each other as well for at least a couple hours. Put smaller bitties in container / pen all to be kept in and move things about so it looks like a new location. Even change position of light if you can. At end of day introduce bigger chicks to rearranged location and to each other. If all goes well the bigger guys will fight amongst each other briefly, peck on little guys a bit then all will settle into a newly constructed flock.