Introducing...

[amateurbanfarm]

I have a good variety of types of chickens and ages. I have 1 EE that is about 12 weeks old, 1 cochin bantam that is 12 weeks, 1 buff orpington that is 12 weeks also. I also had a red cochin rooster that I traded for two more females, but they are a lot younger (1 still isn't even feathered, the other probably about 6 weeks old?) My question is, with the varying ages/types/sizes, do I need to have them in a separate run area? If so, for how long? I obviously think they need to be separated because the 12 week old EE chases them constantly when they are together. How long do I keep them separate--and do I need to introduce them both together, or move in the older one as she gets bigger? I had no idea that these types of things would be so confusing! Thanks!

 

[blondi61189]

Lol I know how you feel...mixing ages and groups is stressful for both you and the chickens...since the one isn't fully feathered yet I'm guessing she's still in brooder.....perhaps you could move the brooder or set up a dog crate inside your coop where the two groups could see each other but not chase/harm anyone. Then when your little girls are older and big and can better fend for themselves you can let them out. They will still be a couple of little pecking order arguments but they should calm down after a day or so and be happy. I currently have three different age groups living together in one very big coop happily but it does take some time and energy