Merging Flocks

[CatsCrazyCoop]

Hi. Was wondering ---

I have a flock of 7 standards (RIR, Buff Opr, Barred Rock, White Rock, NJ Giant, Black Sumatra & Dominique). They are just over 3 months old. My second group of gals (4 silkes, EE Bantam & a Silver Laced Wyandotte) are about 6 weeks old. I have the 2nd group of gals in a large dog crate in the chicken coop for about 2 weeks now. My older girls share the coop space, and of course are out in the run during the day.

Obviously when I first put the crate in (day 1) my older girls were not very happy. One baby got out of the crate, that I didn't notice and she ended up pecked. Thankfully she was alright, I was able to quarantine her until she was all healed and she is back with the babies, and all is well.

Am I ready to share space yet? What is the best way to introduce them? I don't really have much time these days to sit in my run and watch the girls. Maybe 20 minutes, if anything.

HELP!
That crate takes up a decent amount of room, and I just want all my girls living happily ever after

Carolyn

 

[extraordinaryfowl]

Six weeks is about when I turn off my heat lamp. Is it warm where you live?

I would wait for awhile personally, although if you don't have the space that may not be an option.

I would wait until they are roughly the same size as the older ones and are feathered in. As long as you have a big enough coop and run so the little ones can get away if being pecked too much they should be fine.

If you have to put them in now, the above would apply too. As much room as possible and a few days in a crate or cage in the coop wouldn't hurt.

 

[CatsCrazyCoop]

Unfortunately, they will never be the same size, since of the new flock 5 of the 6 are bantams.

They are pretty much feathered in, and it is warm. Cooler at night, but the coop is insulated.

 

[azygous]

I use a "panic room". It's a smaller playpen inside the run where the youngsters can be safe but can still interact with the flock. When the chicks are around five weeks old, I cut small portals into the playpen so the chicks can go out into the rest of the run. They are quick to learn to scoot back through the portals to safety when chased or bullied. The portals are too small to permit the adults to go through. The chicks have their food and water in there so they are assured of getting enough to eat. It's a great system. When the chicks get too big to fit through the portals, it's time to take down the panic room.

 

[navasima]

Quote:
I do the same with my little guys now - playtime with the older kids - they haven't had to use it much (yay) but it seems to give them and definitely me peace of mind that it's there.