I have 2 flocks of chickens. One flock was hatched in August and the other was hatched in October. The older flock consists of 9 chickens (at least 1 EE rooster), 2 Wyandottes, 2 Cochins,2 Brahmas and 3 EE's. The younger flock is 3 Jersey Giants and 2 Silkies. The older flock has been in the coop for about 2 months. I have built an enclosure inside the coop for the small ones to be in, but would like them to mingle with the others and not be in such a confined space. I have read online to keep them separated until they are the same size, but how do I do that with Silkies that will never be the same size? The Jerseys are almost as large as my 2 EE hens, but smaller than the rest. They still sound like babies (the younger flock). I did try letting them mingle once, but 2 of the hens cornered them inside the coop. Should I build a separate run for them or should I wait until they are older (16+ weeks?). Just breaks my heart to keep them confined in a small space and not let them be outside in the run with the bigger ones. Want to do what is best for them. Thank you for any advice.
That's the exact age my two flocks were. Mine have been together for over a month. First off I introduced the little ones after dark. Then with mine the big ones I allowed to free range during the day and the little ones stayed in the coop. So they were only together just before bed and early morning. After the little ones were big enough to free range I allowed them all out but they stayed two flocks. A few days before it was supposed to get cold I decided they needed to be friends so they could keep each other warm so at night I put all of the chicks up with the big ones and supervised. This meant forcing the scared little ones up against the big ones and finger pecking anyone who pecked anyone else. My top hen and rooster weren't listening so I grabbed them and held them down with one hand and pinched the feathers behind their head and held their head to the floor. Basically dominance in chicken language. First night they slept together. Second night repeated the process and now they are best friends. I just make sure my birds all know I'm the head rooster around here lol even if I am also the food lady
