Intergrating 4wk olds with 6wk olds

[yellowflower]

Okay this is my set up. I took a large dog crate, plastic kind and took it apart so I had 2 sections. I put them together so the door opening was in the middle. Put a piece of hardware cloth in there so they could see but not touch. They never pecked at each other and they all love to get on top of that little platform. I had 4 older ones on one side and new chicks on other side. I waited till the babies were over 3 wks before I took down the hardware cloth. At first they didn't seem to realize it was gone and pretty much just stayed on their sides. Then the older ones got curious and started going on the other side. Well, I saw them charge at the smaller ones and a little peck here and there and then they all go back to their sides to sleep. So now it's been 3 or 4 days and the bigger ones go on the other side and peck at the little ones when they are eating. They run and sqeak and then usually come back. No one has been hurt so should I just let them work it out? They eat treats together out of my hand no problem. But I'm not able to stick my hand in there to pat the little ones cuz the bigger ones come running. These are all silkies and the older ones are very calm friendly birds and so are some of the babies. I guess I'm just concerned because they chase them away when there eating. Like their claiming the food. Any help, suggestions would be appreciated. I'll try and take some picks tomorrow.

 

[Mahonri]

You are lucky, sounds like they are going to work out the pecking order. I have 18 chicks all the same age, but I got 6 of them later on and they stick together and the other 12 stick together. It's weird.

 

[NorthernAZchickens]

At that age you shouldn't have too many problems. A little pecking is expected. Just keep on eye on them and make sure the little do have some access to the food and water. Also make sure they have enough space so the little ones have space to get away if needed.

If that doesn't work put 2 feeders and waters in. That will double the chances of them getting food.

Another idea I liked with intergration was when you intergrate them put both little flocks in a new enviroment. That way, there isn't an established flock, but both are new to the enviroment, even if it is a new box, with a little different layout.

 

[yellowflower]

Well, I seperated them again last night. I went in there and all the babies were trying to crowd into the corner and the older ones has taken up there space and were eating and drinking out of there feed dish and water and wouldn't let them near it. They had no place to go and I was worried they would smush each other. Now what do I do? I did leave both sides the waterers and feeders but the big guys want to claim the whole space.

 

[yellowflower]

Thanks, I let them back together yesterday but later in the day I seperated them again. Even with the food and water closer to the door the big ones were still cornering the little ones. I let them eat treats together which is fine no pushing or pecking just sharing nicely. I'm going to let the little ones get a little bigger but also let them spend some time together every day. Also I'm working on a different setup for them, a different brooder although I loved the crate idea it so roomy. Oh well, the chickens decide.