Mixing in the Chicks - When is it safe?

[Picky Chicky]

I am positive this question has been answered over a hundred times but when I did a search I pulled up nada - so I'm certain my search criteria must've stunk.

So my question is, at what age is it safe to mix my chicks in with my other girls?

 

[skeeter9]

It pretty much depends on how your other girls treat the babies. I can usually incorporate mine when the babies are about 1/2 grown (sometimes sooner). I put them in a coop that adjoins the big girls' coop as soon as they are able to be outside (3 weeks or so). That way the big girls and boys get used to them. I also let them free-range a little bit together while I am outside with them so them can start with the pecking order thing. By the time the little ones are 1/2 grown, everything is usually worked out and there are no problems.

The other think I have done is section off a small portion of the big coop for the little ones (with chicken wire). I just put a dog house, a roost, and feeder/waterer in there (also a heat lamp). Then, when it's time, I let them loose with the big chickens.

I know everybody does it a little differently, so you'll probably get all kinds of advice - lots of experienced people on here. . .

 

[ZooMummzy]

I waited till they were at least 4-5 months old and even then it was a chore. Any younger and smaller would scare me because they got picked on pretty badly.

 

[JennsPeeps]

We introduced our month-old babies to the big girls (2 standards, 1 banty). It didn't go so well. We're able to keep them in separate areas of the yard for now, which is working fine.

Today DBF is going to build a small wood frame and cover it with wire. We'll put it into the coop and then put the chicks in there overnight (too big for a brooder now). That way they can all sleep together but they'll be protected.

 

[m2wandc]

I would venture to guess it would depend somewhat on how many chickens and baby chicks you are planning on joining...I would think (just logically thinking) that the more you have the more issues might arise...

 

[Picky Chicky]

I have 5 grown girls - 2 of which are buff Japanese banty girls. Of course the banty girls get picked on the most, but they tend to stick together and hold their own.

Hmmm.... sounds like I'm going to have to wait at least another month.


If you guys catch this question...
I'll be running low on quarantine space when/if my broody bantam is able to hatch her 6 eggs.

Would it be a bad idea to combine my 4 week old (they'll be about 5 weeks old by hatch time) chicks with the momma and her new chicks?