Introducing 6 wk old chicks to 12 wk olds

[Swanak]

Working on plan for integrating my two sets of chicks (12 wks and 6 wks) and want to do it in most calming way possible.

I have an Egger and an Isbar they are now about 6 wks old. Curious about when to introduce them to existing flock of 12 wk old chickens. I have a mixed breed flock of 4 pullets (leghorn, speckled Sussex, Maran, sea bright...so various sizes) and one bantam buff Cochin rooster. That group of 5 was raised in a brooder together. The 6 wk old have had outdoor time together in pens next to the bantam rooster who is maybe a third bigger than them.

 

[MrLeeHo]

I integrated 2 pullets with another 2 that had about the same age difference last month. I started by putting them in a “cage” inside the run during the day and then moving that cage into the coop at night. They spent about a week doing that so they were able to see, hear, smell and sleep together while also being separate. One night i put the babies in the coop inside their box but didnt put the wire over the box well enough (it was an accident). Went to check on them and they were sleeping in the corner. Got up earlier than usual the next morning to let them out and they have been together ever since. The big girls still chase a little when they get excited but nothing too mean. I was pleasantly surprised how well the transition went.