Integration Questions

[ChickenChick46]

In not sure if this is where this question goes. I'm sorry if not!

I've got 2 groups of bantams. The first group is 5 weeks old and is 4 chicks. The second group is also 4 chicks, but maybe 2 weeks old.

When I got the second group just over a week ago, I put them in a separate brooder. For one, they're way smaller, but I didn't think it was a good idea to integrate them for biosecurity reasons.

My 5-weekers are well on their way to moving into the coop full time. They already spend a good amount of time outside each day and sleep in the brooder, with no heat. The younger ones have a bit, obviously.

My question is, should I let them meet at some point soon, or just wait until the youngest group is ready to move into the coop and integrate then?

I don't want to push things too soon. There is still a very big discrepancy in size between the 2 groups. Pictures attached for an idea of sizes. Are the youngest ones actually 2 weeks old? I got them on Sunday the 17th from Rural King. Assuming they hatched early that week prior, they should be 2 weeks now. They just seem so small.

Thank you!

 

[Debbie292d]

I integrate chicks together anywhere from two weeks to eight weeks. We've got a large growout pen with two waterers and three feeders in it, and lots of clutter.

The main thing is, you don't want the littlest ones getting bullied by the older ones, and that's nature, so it'll happen. Having lots of hiding places and multiple feed/water stations makes sure everyone eats and drinks. In a few days, it gets better and in a week or so they're all getting along, though still some pecks now and then.

I'd try putting them all together but those little ones look too young to me. I would hold them back a few days. They have to be able to run, jump, and get away and not get walked on.

 

[thecatumbrella]

If you're going the see-no-touch method, I'd let them meet asap! The 3 week age difference should (hopefully) make integration easier, and I like that you have an equal number of members in each group.

 

[ChickenChick46]

I integrate chicks together anywhere from two weeks to eight weeks. We've got a large growout pen with two waterers and three feeders in it, and lots of clutter.

The main thing is, you don't want the littlest ones getting bullied by the older ones, and that's nature, so it'll happen. Having lots of hiding places and multiple feed/water stations makes sure everyone eats and drinks. In a few days, it gets better and in a week or so they're all getting along, though still some pecks now and then.

I'd try putting them all together but those little ones look too young to me. I would hold them back a few days. They have to be able to run, jump, and get away and not get walked on.

Great advice, thank you! The youngest ones are growing, so hopefully they'll get there soon. I just feel like they're smaller than my first ones were at the same ages.

I thought 2 of my new ones were also cochins, but now I'm thinking buff brahma bantams. There is another d'Uccle and a silkie. Maybe they're just more petite than the first 4 (cochin, d'Uccle, OEGB, and Sebright).

 

[ChickenChick46]

If you're going the see-no-touch method, I'd let them meet asap! The 3 week age difference should (hopefully) make integration easier, and I like that you have an equal number of members in each group.

Thank you for the tips! I was thinking that I wanted to use the see-no-touch, given the size difference for sure. I do hope that the equal numbers helps.

I'm also hoping that by the time my next group (6 chicks) is ready to go in the coop, the bantam flock will be getting along well and even though they're smaller than my next ones will be, they'll be established and not feel threatened by the Orpington group.

The Orpingtons should be ready for the coop by the 1st or 2nd week of November, depending on how fast they feather out and what our fall temps are like. They can vary a good bit. By then the bantams will be 12 and 15 weeks. As long as I did my math right, it's still early and I'm on my first cup of coffee lol.