Mixing Ages of Chickens

[deenamr]

How old do my new babies need to be before they can be mixed in with the 1 year olds? I was thinking 4 or 5 months but don't really know. Their pens are close together so they will be able to see each other all day. I am hoping this will make the transition easier.

 

[thechickenchick]

The general rule is to wait until they are comparable in size. I have mixed them early and had no problems. This time I tried early and it was NOT a good idea. I ended up with injured babies in the blink of an eye. I still feel guilty, although they lived, I have a wingless hen.

 

[ScoobyRoo]

I had my 4 wk olds in a rabbit hutch that was in the run with the one yr olds. They were not togther but could see each other. At 5 weeks I let them out and they all do great. They all free range and there is plenty of room. Some will tell you not to do that. Maybe I was lucky. You need to watch them. Now I have hens laying in the hutch with the babies.

JMO
good luck whatever you decide to do.