Raising different age pullets.

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trinkjr3

trinkjr3

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I have 6 1 year olds and 6 RIR and 12 leghorns that are 8 weeks old. When can I mix them and also can I feed the 8 week olds the pellets the older ones are eating? I just now have been introducing them to each other between the fence so far so good.
 
Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! It is usually best to wait until the younger chicks are about the same size as the older ones, and then introduce them gradually, a period of time separated by wire usually works well, ie if you can separate your coop/run or put the younger chicks in a cage inside. That gives them time to get used to each other and kind of establish a pecking order. There is a good article in the Learning Center on combining flocks https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock
You do not want to feed chicks under about 18 weeks Layer Feed if that is what you are feeding your hens, the high calcium level in Layer feeds the laying hens need is bad for chicks. You can feed both of them an All Ages or Flock Raiser type food or even chick food ... just have oyster shell available on the side for the laying hens, they will eat what they need and the young birds will leave it alone.
 
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Welcome to BYC!

Kelsie X2. You can mix them in when they are 3 1/2 or 4 months old. They need to be about the same size as the hens. Do it slowly over several weeks time from behind a cage or fenced off area but always within the flock. That way nobody gets hurt. After several weeks time, you can mix them together. The aggression should be minimal. But watch carefully for that day and the rest of that week for any signs of fighting. And always intervene if it turns bloody.

Enjoy your flock and welcome to ours!
 
Welcome to BYC
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Glad you joined us!
 
Another question is it ok to give my girls sweet corn. Also can I feed them cracked corn along with the layer pellets?
 

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