Integration

[thebigbadassman]

I have some chickens that are about 6-7 weeks and some that are 4-5 weeks all of which are about the same size except my roo whom is a little younger. I have them separated and able to see and smell each other. And I'm sure they've been able to smell each other for weeks now. How long do i need to wait until I can integrate them all together? The first 2 are them separated by a board. And the last pic is them now with chicken wire between them. It's only been a day of them seeing each other. But 2 got under the wire in with my a couple weeks older chicks and they seemed to be fine. Might just wing it and see how they do and separate them if I need to while I'm working in the garage today so I can watch them. The white ones really aren't much bigger. Just more fluffy.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would let them mingle. You may want to move them to a bigger area soon so they don't start pecking each other.

 

[thebigbadassman]

I would let them mingle. You may want to move them to a bigger area soon so they don't start pecking each other.

Oh thats what I'm working on now. Their bigger coop and run. Just want them to mingle before the big area too. Should have this all done and hardware clothes by the end of the day if not tomorrow.

 

[catsndogs4us]

Sounds like you're doing things right. At these ages they can mingle it should be fine.

 

[thebigbadassman]

Sounds like you're doing things right. At these ages they can mingle it should be fine.

Yeah I'm about to let them do their thing and get a little dust bath in there and bigger feeders and all until I get this big set up done. Should I try to start leaving the heat lamps off during the day and night now before the big area so they can start getting used to it?

 

[catsndogs4us]

Yeah I'm about to let them do their thing and get a little dust bath in there and bigger feeders and all until I get this big set up done. Should I try to start leaving the heat lamps off during the day and night now before the big area so they can start getting used to it?

Are they still seeking out the heated area? I have a group of 6 birds who are nearly 6 weeks and 4 birds that are 4 weeks. They're all together. I'm leaving their brooder heat plate for now, they seem to be using it less and less and mainly only the younger ones. I don't know what your weather is like so it's hard to give a specific answer. It's still fairly cold here and my birds are now brooding in a cage in the main coop to get used to the adult flock. See but no touch method. I notice the last couple nights the older birds are roosting on sticks in the cage or on top of the heat plate. The little birds are a mix of under or on the heat plate. I follow their lead. I don't expect they'll use it much longer.

 

[thebigbadassman]

Are they still seeking out the heated area? I have a group of 6 birds who are nearly 6 weeks and 4 birds that are 4 weeks. They're all together. I'm leaving their brooder heat plate for now, they seem to be using it less and less and mainly only the younger ones. I don't know what your weather is like so it's hard to give a specific answer. It's still fairly cold here and my birds are now brooding in a cage in the main coop to get used to the adult flock. See but no touch method. I notice the last couple nights the older birds are roosting on sticks in the cage or on top of the heat plate. The little birds are a mix of under or on the heat plate. I follow their lead. I don't expect they'll use it much longer.

Im in northwestern Colorado and it was snowing Sunday and Monday haha. Still gets down in the 30s and when it snow its 20s at night. But I think thats coming to and end. I think this week calls for mid 30s or higher at night and 60s and 70s during the day. I dont watch them too much as theyre in a pin in the garage but I dont think theyre seeking the heat too much. Alot of the time they seem to rest away from it. My Roo is the youngest and is about a month old but isn't as fluffy so he's the only one I worry about. But I think the others would be fine as their feathers are pretty packed and theyre all winter birds. Maybe I'll just keep one on at night and during the day turn them off just in case. I don't have heat pads just the lights. But I may invest in a heat pad for the coop once it's built fully. But its almost spring/summer here so shouldn't need heat too much longer. Just trying to be safe for my babies. Im still new to the chicken game!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yeah I'm about to let them do their thing and get a little dust bath in there and bigger feeders and all until I get this big set up done. Should I try to start leaving the heat lamps off during the day and night now before the big area so they can start getting used to it?

I usually turn off the light during the day at first, than turn it on later and later at night until I jyst leave it off. Chicks often will act like the light is a mother hens and get a bit upset at night without. They do get used to it. You have enough so they will pile for heat.