Introducing flocks

[BlueEggsAndHens]

Hey so I have been letting my 9 week old chicks get used to my 4 week old chicks
And I'm currently letting them be together in a controlled environment and under close eye on a space that isn't the 9 week olds territory

I have two roosters in the 9 week old chicks and the 4 week olds are both hens

The roosters are pecking and trying to tower over the 4 week olds. When this happens I push the roosters away from the 4 week olds.

Is this normal or should I be worried?

 

[Cheekychook12]

Hey so I have been letting my 9 week old chicks get used to my 4 week old chicks
And I'm currently letting them be together in a controlled environment and under close eye on a space that isn't the 9 week olds territory

I have two roosters in the 9 week old chicks and the 4 week olds are both hens

The roosters are pecking and trying to tower over the 4 week olds. When this happens I push the roosters away from the 4 week olds.

Is this normal or should I be worried?

It’s normal for them to display dominance I think but do keep an eye on them
How many of each do you have?
I’d keep them in the same space but put up a separation fence so they can see each other but not attack, that’s the only thing that works for me
If you let them all together make sure there’s spaces the little ones can hide if they need to

 

[BlueEggsAndHens]

It’s normal for them to display dominance I think but do keep an eye on them
How many of each do you have?
I’d keep them in the same space but put up a separation fence so they can see each other but not attack, that’s the only thing that works for me
If you let them all together make sure there’s spaces the little ones can hide if they need to

I have 4, 9 week old chicks and then I have 2, 4 week old chicks

 

[Mrs. K]

Usually the size difference between 4 and 9 weeks can be used to your advantage. Openings that the littles can fit through to a safety zone, and the bigs cannot follow. Fencing lifted off the floor 3 inches will work, some wire meshes will work. A pallet laid flat, and propped up on small bricks will work.

Build a safety zone that can be entered from multiple sides, and start with the littles in that area. Then let them work it out on their own terms. The littles will get brave, venture out, scurry back to safety as needed. The bigs cannot pursue them in the safety zone.

Eventually, you may have to consider removing one or both of your cockerels. They will mature much sooner than the same age pullets, and much, much earlier than the younger pullets. They can make pullets very miserable.

Right now they are in the darling stage, enjoy that, but be aware it does not last.

Mrs K