Putting 6 week olds in coop with 18 week olds?

[lakeontariochicks]

I have to get these little babies off my covered patio!!

They are sweet and adorable, but they are getting out constantly.
I have had them in a separate temporary run right next to my big girls, during the days. At night I am putting them back in their brooder box. I'm not worried about temps, just behavior!
Should I try putting them in the big run during the day first, with supervision of course?
Are they too little to go in with the girls?
If so, when?
Thank you everyone!

 

[chicmom]

Hi there Lake-

I wouldn't put them together unless they are very close to the same size. The reason is that chickens can be very mean to eachother, and the larger ones will just "beat the crap" out of the smaller ones. They can even kill the smaller ones. Once they draw blood, it's like a frenzy.....That's the one thing that is negative about chickens.

 

[midget_farms]

They need to be large enough to take a hit from the largest bird you have & have enough room to run away. I would build a better brooder for another couple of weeks. I don't think they are big enough yet.

 

[SunnysideupstateNY]

I just got a 6 week old PR to replace the roo that was supposed to be a pullet. Everyone else is 19 weeks. I have the PR partitioned off in with the big girls in the tractor. I got a nesting box from country max and thats her temporary coop till she's big enough to be with the older girls. Its working out really well. She can spend time with everyone and they can't hurt her. I don't know what your set up is but I hope this helps!