We currently have 1 hen and 1 roo, both are almost 3 months old. I have 3 more hens that are 1 month old and want to put them with the others. I don't want the younger ones to get hurt, what is the best way to do this and does anyone think the roo will be a problem? I would appreciate any input.
Hi. I am new to raising chickens but have integrated 3 different small groups since April and here is what I did. I started with 9 8wk old Rhode Island reds. I adopted 4 yr old laying hens so I made a temporary pen inside the coop and the smaller ones stayed in that at night. During the day everyone gets let out together. The hens and the RIRs had no issues within a week I took out the pen. About two weeks later I gave 5 RIRs to someone whose flock need replenishing and got 6 4wk old mix breed laying pullets, I again put the pen inside the coop and gave it a few days then when no one bothered the little ones I took the pen out. I'm doing it again right now with some silkie chicks that are about 10 wks old but I am letting them get a lot bigger before they sleep without the protection of the small pen inside the coop. The key is to take your time. I made my pen out of leftover hardware wire and some wood from when we built the coop. I also have seen a small animal cage (like a guinea pig cage) used as a temporary cage. Something that they can see the other chickens and the other chickens can see them but can't hurt the little guys Every situation is different but I think you have to let the chickens decide when it's time to mix everyone together and of course there is always some pecking to establish who's in charge. I am still learning, more everyday really.
