Mixed age flock

[mldlm]

I don’t know if you have an answer for this or not. I have 4 layers that are 24 weeks old and 2 Pullets that are 14 weeks old. They are in the same run all day. The younger ones have learned to stay out of the way of the older ones. The older ones will ignore them, but sometimes, at random instances, they will chase the littles or even give them a quick peck. So, the littles will wander around the run when the big ones are at the other end or get up on one of the multiple roosts to stay away. None of the pecking is bad, but they have been together this way for about three weeks. They are also together at night in the coop, which opens into the run. The littles have their own roost on one side of the coop, while the big girls are on their roost on the other side of the coop (The roost for the bigger girls is a little higher And about five feet away from the littles roost), but not separated by anything. So, now, here’s my question: when can I expect the younger ones to be able to join in on the roosts with the big girls? And how do I accomplish this? Thanks for your input!

 

[sourland]

Give them time, and they will work it out. You don't have to do anything. What you describe is an uneventful integration.

 

[mldlm]

Give them time, and they will work it out. You don't have to do anything. What you describe is an uneventful integration.

So should I leave the two separate roosting areas as is, and let them migrate to the “big girls” roost when they are ready?

 

[rosemarythyme]

So should I leave the two separate roosting areas as is, and let them migrate to the “big girls” roost when they are ready?

Yes.

 

[Coosa]

They will get to join the club. I have several different age groups too. Gets a little better every week.

 

[aart]

when can I expect the younger ones to be able to join in on the roosts with the big girls?

When the youngers are all laying...probably.
My youngers are 18 months old, and most still roost away from the olders.

And how do I accomplish this?

You don't, let them work it out.

 

[Granny23]

I don’t know if you have an answer for this or not. I have 4 layers that are 24 weeks old and 2 Pullets that are 14 weeks old. They are in the same run all day. The younger ones have learned to stay out of the way of the older ones. The older ones will ignore them, but sometimes, at random instances, they will chase the littles or even give them a quick peck. So, the littles will wander around the run when the big ones are at the other end or get up on one of the multiple roosts to stay away. None of the pecking is bad, but they have been together this way for about three weeks. They are also together at night in the coop, which opens into the run. The littles have their own roost on one side of the coop, while the big girls are on their roost on the other side of the coop (The roost for the bigger girls is a little higher And about five feet away from the littles roost), but not separated by anything. So, now, here’s my question: when can I expect the younger ones to be able to join in on the roosts with the big girls? And how do I accomplish this? Thanks for your input!

My problem too but with 4 hens and 2 chicks 10-12 weeks old.