Putting my 16 week old into old flock

[Mary Mitchell]

I've been putting my 17 week old Australorp out in the area new my year old chickens but they seen to fight when I put them together. Should I still wait a few more weeks

 

[STACEYH]

I would keep them seperate but able to see each other.

 

[Sally PB]

Can you divide the coop or run with some fencing? That way they can see each other, but not touch. Then you can also sprinkle some of their food along both sides of the fence so that they can get used to eating together.

 

[3KillerBs]

Here are some useful articles on integration:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

 

[U_Stormcrow]

My voice joins all the others recommending "see and be seen". I'm constantly (every three weeks) integrating new birds, and have had only one problem in 18 months - a duck picked on by larger ducks (and later taken by predators). There was, frankly, something wrong with the bird, and he was never accepted.

Its not age that's the factor (though great size disparities increase relative risk), its familiarity and scarcity/abundance. Abundance is a social lubricant. If they are used to seeing one another without competing for food and space, integration goes well (generally). If not, it does not.