Putting New Chics With Older Ones

[marbekschicks]

When my new chicks are 9 weeks old the others will be about 20 weeks old. All the new ones are silkies and there are 14 of them. There are 7 older ones, 4 are buff orpingtons and 3 are silkies. We have no idea if they are male or female yet, but think 2 of each of the buff orpingtons and all 3 silies are female. We will be giving away all roosters except for a couple of silkie roosters when we are able to tell what they are.

Will it be safe to put them all together in 4 weeks at 9 weeks old and 20 weeks old?

Thank you,
Marci in PA

 

[Buff Hooligans]

I would wait until they are all the same size. An established flock will always pick on smaller birds. Here's a link to integrating flocks:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-adding-to-your-flock

 

[wannahavehens]

I'm not sure what to do either. I have this same question. I have 6 1yr old hens and 6 8wk old chicks. I let one of the big girls into the little pen for the chicks and she started whacking the little ones right away! I read one idea that said instead of putting them all together at once - start with putting a single hen in with the new chicks. Hummmm guess I'll have to wait a few more weeks and try again. I sure would appreciate any suggestions. We are hand carrying each chick from their pen in the coop to the pen outside every day. I'm wondering if it will ever be possible for them to get along.

 

[Chirpy]

I have not had any trouble integrating flocks but I've always done it as Buff says. Make sure they are the same size before you try. I also, put them in the same coop for a few days with wire between them so they get acquainted with each other through the wire first.

 

[marbekschicks]

Can anyone tell me at about what age the younger silkies will be the same size as the older silkies?

I have had the older chickens since May 19th and have had the younger chicks for 2-1/2 weeks. When I put them out of the house at 9 weeks old I will have had the younger ones for 6-1/2 weeks.

My new plan: split my "new" coop in half before the older ones even get to use it. I will put a temp. wall down the center and divide the new 15 x 15 run in half. I will then put the smaller silkies in one side at 9 weeks old. They can then sort of get to know each other through the run fencing.

Am I thinking correctly?