Need help/ideas for integrating chicks of all different ages

[fernandez0067]

I have 18 1 year old chickens in my coop right now. A large run attached and a big fenced in area outside the run.

I have 3, 4 week old bantams I just started integrating with the big girls, they are seperated with chicken wire in the coop with their own small run outside. I plan on waiting a while before fully letting them in since they are much smaller.

I have 3 - 2 week old chicks (2 EE, 1 NJG x BR) in the brooder in my house

I have 1 broody sitting on 6 bantam eggs from a friend due to hatch the first week of June.

My question is, when my broody hatches her clutch ... should I separate her with her babies from my older chickens and for how long?

Should I try to sneak in my 2 week olds (which we be about 4 weeks by then) with her new babies?

I need some ideas on how to go about doing this the right way.

 

[Judy]

If the broody is in the coop with the year olds, I would keep her separated for a day or so after they all hatch, then see if she is ready to introduce them to the flock. If she is a good Mama, she will let the others know to leave the chicks alone. I doubt the broody would accept the two week olds.

I would probably try slipping the 2 and 4 week olds in together at night, then early in the AM, wake them all up with a bunch of good treats, and hope for the best.

Might not work, though.