Mixing 2 week olds and 4 month olds?

[swimcoch]

I have two, four month old sliver laced wyandottes in the coop outside. I have fourteen, two week olds in a box in the basement. The coop has electricity and can have a heat lamp if necessary. When is it safe to combine the younger ones with the older ones? I also have the ability to keep a fence between the two flocks(?) if necessary.

Thanks and I love the forum. Have been reading for almost a year!

 

[lovinthechickens]

Hmm, id wait untill they are about 5-7 weeks old.

 

[silkiechicken]

2 weeks and 4 months is a BIG age difference. It is likely that if you don't want the older ones hurting the young ones, you will have to wait till they are the same size and eating the same food. The young ones should be on a starter/grower, while the older ones will be moving to layer feed in a month or so. The big size difference can cause problems. However, every flock has their own dynamics so what works for some might not work for others.