Introducing younger chickens (6wks) to older chickens (9 weeks) - two equal groups of 14 - PLEASE HE

[FLSweetTater]

We are new chicken owners. We purchased two groups of chickens about 3 weeks apart. So I have 14 chickens that are 9 weeks old and 14 chickens that are 6 weeks old.

At first I had them in a big divided brooder with a screen in between them. I put them in the divided brooder when the older ones were 3 weeks old and the new chicks had just arrived - they stayed in this set up for 3 weeks. When the older chickens were 6 weeks old they moved to the coop outside. It is now about time to put the younger group out there. So they have been "apart" for 3 weeks.

Our coop/run is an open air design that was built under a large 18'x20' carport. There is a roosting area in the back with plenty of room for all 28 chickens. In fact, the 14 that are out there now only take about 3/4 of the top roost. And there are 3 levels of roosts total. So the chickens won't all have to cram in a small closed coop at night. If some of the chickens want to sleep on the ground away from others, they have plenty of room.

Most of the chickens are standard size varieties, but in the younger group I have about 6 bantams. I think I have 4 roosters in the older bunch (which we will be getting rid of as soon as I'm positive about the sex) I'm not sure how many roosters may be in the younger group. But no roosters have shown any aggression yet.

I'm a little concerned about the bantams. They are currently in the younger group. They are doing fine in their brooder with the 8 other standard size chickens that are their same age. But I'm concerned when I add them to the coop with the standard size group that is 9 weeks old.

I've read up on introducing new chicks but most information applies to introducing young chickens to an older flocks. Both my groups are relatively young.

Here are my questions:

Can I just put all 14 younger ones out there at once and let them figure it out with the older group of 14?

Or is it best to re-introduce them slowly, by putting up some kind of playpen or divider in the coop/run between the two groups? If so, how long?

Any other ideas on how to manage this transition? I'd especially appreciate any advice from anyone who has had a similar situation with similar quantities of chickens.

Thanks so much!

 

[iwiw60]

Quote: I would say a definite 'no' to putting them out there with the older ones all at once. I would think it best to continue the method of keeping them separated with wire so they can 'see' each other and sort of feel like they are all together, but not yet. as for how long? Gosh, upwards of 4 weeks would be my opinion, especially as you say the younger ones are bantams...a much smaller bird and most likely to get dessimated by the older ones right off the git-go. Best of luck, I'm sure someone will be along that might have better insight for you!

 

[preschoolchicks]

I am pretty new to this as well. I have 2 mature hens that have a coop and free range during the day, 3 "teenagers" aged 7-11 weeks that I successfully combined about a week ago by being very slow and careful and separating them when the older one started chasing and pecking a lot.They currently have their own outdoor pen and "juvie coop" I also have two 3 week old pullets that are still under lights in the basement.
My question is this: Should I wait and combine the 2 little guys with the teens when they are bigger or combine the teens with the adults first and then add the babies in the fall? I spend a lot of my day on chicken related issues as there are three different establishments set up right now but if it helps in the long run, I am willing to do it!

As for your group management issues: when you have a group meet and greet, I found that LOTS of fun things to eat scattered around the pen and multiple water containers helped a lot. Also, if you set up some places where young ones can hide and give them an entrance and an exit, that cut down on bullying. Straw bales placed near the wall or a piece of trellis laid over two boxes- even a big flowerpot near the corner with room behind it. Just make sure they can't get trapped or something fall on them.
Good luck!

 

[FLSweetTater]

I ended up making this temporary "play pen" with chicken wire. For the first week, it was closed and the older chickens and younger chickens could only look, but not touch. Then, after a week, I bent back the corners on two sides so the younger chickens could venture out if they wanted to. So far it seems to be working great. The younger chickens will come out, but if the older chickens start harassing them, they run back to the safety zone. The older chickens just stop and don't chase them inside. Some of the nicer older chickens have gone inside the little play pen, but they just look around and then leave. How long do you think I should leave it like this? Or how long do you think it will take for the younger ones to not need the safety zone?

 

[iwiw60]

I ended up making this temporary "play pen" with chicken wire. For the first week, it was closed and the older chickens and younger chickens could only look, but not touch. Then, after a week, I bent back the corners on two sides so the younger chickens could venture out if they wanted to. So far it seems to be working great. The younger chickens will come out, but if the older chickens start harassing them, they run back to the safety zone. The older chickens just stop and don't chase them inside. Some of the nicer older chickens have gone inside the little play pen, but they just look around and then leave. How long do you think I should leave it like this? Or how long do you think it will take for the younger ones to not need the safety zone?

That was "genius" what you did to set the little ones up!!

Me personally? I'd leave it that way for probably at least another week or so...best of luck and keep us updated!!