Mixed ages in same coop?

[LuvaMedic3]

Looking for some advice, please. Can you mix different ages of chickens in the same coop/run? I have one very adult rooster that has never been around other chickens but the other ones are all young...about 6-8 weeks apart in age and no idea the sexes. Please help. Thank you.

 

[IvanK]

Hi!

The short answer is yes you can but there are a few things to consider to make things go as smooth as possible.
It's good if the younger birds (assuming they are not too young and fragile) outnumber the older birds. Also, it's good to have several feeders and waterers positioned around to avoid bullying at the feeders and so the older birds feel that there is plenty. Of course, enough space for everyone goes without saying.
Your mature rooster will have to be watched at first and expect him to assert himself until he feels he's on top and established order. It may look ugly as he dominates the smaller birds but usually it doesn't last long. The abuse seems to look worse than it is and you can always intervene.
I've put 8 week old pullets and cockerels with full grown hens and a roo and the roo, not the hens chased the birds for a time and even picked a few up while trying to peck at them. Once he felt asserted, things calmed down and now months later everything is quiet. If your roo is persistent and a miserable bugger, you may want to make a temporary barrier to give the roo time to adjust to the younger birds without causing any harm...a barrier like fencing so they can see each other but not have physical contact.
When you do make introductions, your mature roo may be harder on the younger cockerels but things will calm down until the new cockerels start to mature and challenge him and each other...it is possible for several mature roos to coexist...but not always.
Your pullets of course will always be welcome.
Hope this helps!

 

[aart]

Integration Basics:

It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.