Introducing new 2-3month old bantams to 1yr old standards

[Ross Ranch]

I cleaned out the coop this evening. When I was finished the temps still seemed pretty mild. So I decided to give the indoor chicks a little taste of freedom. We let them roam the coop a bit. The EE and BR seemed indifferent, the red star was not pleased and the RIR seemed to want to protect them. The red star tried to peck at them and the RIR seemed to help shuffle them out of the way. I have thought all along I would have to give the bantams their own space. Just wondering if there is any hope of them living together? Thanks for your thoughts or ideas!

 

[possumhunter]

I mangaged to integrate a flock of standards with some younger silkies. The real kicker is that I later discovered they were all Roo's. No wonder why my "older" rooster wasn't too happy. But eventually it worked out fine. Just took a while.

 

[Ross Ranch]

What a funny discovery! Maybe when the weather gets better a more proper introduction can take place.

 

[jeslewmazer]

It is not impossible to mix bantams and standard chickens. There has to be plenty of space and maybe a little area that the standards can't get to. I know when I let mine free range they do fine but the young stags will fight for a short time then the pecking order is set. But I keep mine separate so the standard roos will not try to top the bantam hens.