Integrating young birds to each other

[JoJoM]

I was able to find lots of threads regarding integrating new chicks to your existing flock but my situation is slightly different. I only have chicks at different stages and no older chickens at all. I just moved my six 8 week olds out to the coop but still have eight 4.5 week olds and eight 2 week olds inside in the brooders. Do young birds integrate more easily or should they still be introduced with separation? I really don't have a separate spot in the coop, but could figure something out if I had to.

Anyone have experience with this?

 

[Yardmom]

Sometimes younger birds are easier to integrate because they are not as set on pecking order. Other times such as when one breed is more aggressive a time of see no touch is needed. At the very least have hiding places available and multiple feeders and waters.

 

[JoJoM]

Sometimes younger birds are easier to integrate because they are not as set on pecking order. Other times such as when one breed is more aggressive a time of see no touch is needed. At the very least have hiding places available and multiple feeders and waters.

Thank you. I’m going to try later today, closer to roost time. Hopefully it goes well.

 

[BeccaRecca13]

Thank you. I’m going to try later today, closer to roost time. Hopefully it goes well.

Hi @JoJoM - I know this post is from last year, but I found myself in your exact situation this year. How did this work for you?

 

[JoJoM]

I believe I ended up taking the 'middle' group and just adding them in with the others. There was a bit of nit picking, but nothing terrible. The third group I added them to the coop in a coyote trap to keep them separate because they were still quite small compared to the first batch. They stayed in there about 2 weeks and every was pretty happy!