integrating two breeds of chicks

[simplyseren]

I have 6 Rhode Island Reds (about 3 wks) and 3 Silkies (about 2 wks, just got them on Sunday) I moved my red's out to the coop at the beginning of the week and the Silkies are still in the brooder in the house because they are so small, I dont want them to get picked on.
So I guess my question is: how/when would be the best time to get them together? The reds do not go outside yet, they stay in the coop and all my chickens will be free range. Im having a hard time figuring out when they can all be together?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[Folly's place]

Best would have been to introduce them all to the new digs at once, but that didn't happen. Silkies are fragile and small, and RIRs are big and aggressive; yours are also older. Hope it works out, but I'd worry about this combo. If you have lots of space per bird, and lots of roost space, it might work out. Try combining them while you can watch; make sure there is plenty of feeder and waterer space per bird; probably it will be okay. Mary

 

[simplyseren]

Thanks, I wanted to get them all at the same time, it just so happened that the RIR were coming sooner than i had planned, and i had a hard time finding Silkies for sale in my area. I am new to this whole chicken thing, so any advice is welcome.

 

[5 Acre Rooster]

I have found that the younger birds mix a little better the younger you can mix them. There is a little pecking but generally my smaller younger birds seem to be faster than the slightly larger/older birds. If you wait until they are 5+ weeks it can get really hairy. And 10+ can be heart attack stress (Both you and birds.). The most trying time to introduce birds that I have had experience with is adult birds. This is just how I see things in my flock(s).

 

[simplyseren]

Thank you,
I just took my Silkies out this morning, and sat in the coop with them for about a half hour and watched them. A few of the RIR we trying the peck at the Silkies, but for the most part the Silkies pecked back (except my little black guy), hes the smallest of the three Silkies. I kicked the RIR out for some sun today and let the Silkies get used to the coop for a bit, and i just sat out there for a bit and watched them again, they are all about 3 weeks old, just got them at different times from different locations. I wanted to introduce them all to eachother before I go out of town so my boyfriend doesnt have to feed chicks in the house and chicks in the coop, plus the dog. lol. trying to keep it simple!
so so far so good, tonight is whats going to worry me..