Problems with chicks of different ages

[abanjaf]

I have two sets of chicks, four 5 1/2 week olds and ten almost 2 week olds. They have been introduced to each other on several supervised occasions now. The older chicks act like the younger ones are aliens and completely leave them alone. That is, unless one of them decides to get curious and approach. Then the older ones will peck at the younger ones! Suggestions, thoughts, comments, assistance, help!!!!!!!

 

[bock]

Separate them?

 

[abanjaf]

They ARE separated. My problem is that I would like to be able to raise and house them together. So, how do I peacefully get them to integrate?

 

[math ace]

I had 2 chicks that were almost 2 months older than 15 other chicks. I was not able to merge them as babies.
Now they are at POL - - - and it has been a battle.

I am hoping to wake up tomorrow and find ONE GIANT HAPPY Family - - - but I am not counting on it

Good Luck and hope you receive some good advice.

 

[lovinlife]

Wait until they are closer to the same size before introducing them. And keep them in adjacent cages where they can see and talk to each other for a while before putting them together.

What's POL?

 

[tryingtohaveitall]

POL= point of lay, when they begin laying eggs.

 

[B. Kossum]

I just started this spring with 7 chicks. I bought them at separate times, but the first time they were all together their ages were:

Barred Rock- 5 weeks
EE- 4 weeks
EE, Rhode Island Red, and White Rock- 3 weeks
Two Cuckoo Marans- 3 days

They have now been together about 2 weeks and I haven't had a single problem. Maybe I'm lucky or they're just happy. It's my first time out, so I didn't even realize there could be a problem. I guess ignorance is bliss!

 

[NonnasBabies]

I just mixed 12 - 1 1/2 week olds with 19 - 3-6 week olds and haven't had any problems either so I'm not sure what to tell you!! Probably gonna have to keep them seperated till your babies get a little older!!

Missi

ETA: It had been 4 days and no problems!! Well all I can tell you is that I came home from work yesterday to one dead baby! and 2 more with completly featherless bloody bottoms... I quickly seperated all my 2 week olds from the others (3-6 weeks) The one that was dead had it's bottom completly ripped open!! I am SO PO'ed at myself becuase I "knew" better but like I say everything was going great!! Not one time did I see one of the older ones even peck at the babies or show any aggression what so ever!! This is heartbreaking cause it's the first one I have ever lost....

So as you can see I spoke too soon!! Hope that things are working out okay with yours!!

 

[abanjaf]

I have tried putting the older ones in the younger ones brooder. The older chicks act like their being punished and try to hide in the corner away from the younger crowd, no aggressive behavior noted during these visits. Just looks like the older chicks are being tortured by being thrown in with the babies. I take all the chicks outside to the coop for periods during the day when it's warm (live in central FL, so it's beautiful out) and that's where I see the aggressive behavior from the older chicks. Should I try just taking one of the older chicks in with the younger ones so that they have no choice but to bond with them? And then add the rest one at a time?

 

[gckiddhouse]

I don't have a lot of experience, but last year when we added younger chicks (hatched and raised by one of the hens and integrated by her at the age of 3 weeks) they became a separate tribe. I don't think they would have ever really integrated. Maybe. They didn't fight, just stayed separate.