Same Aged Chicks from Separate Brooders, Problems?

[aart]

At that age, moving them into a space that is new to all of them, should be no problem at all.

That makes sense to me!
What if there was an age difference? If year old hens and 5-7 week old pullets were put in a new house at the same time would that work?

Not the same as merging 2 groups of 3 week old chicks....
....it might work, as it removes the territoriality aspect, but I wouldn't count on it.

 

[aart]

They're just under three weeks, and we plan to move them out (and combine the two baby flocks) in two-three weeks (when the coop is completed). There are 22 chicks including Buckeyes, Wyandottes, Buff Orps and an Americana.

At that age, moving them into a space that is new to all of them, should be no problem at all.

I just realized the chicks won't be together until they are older than 3 weeks...
...I mis-under-read the post, apologies.
Hopefully your estimate of when the coop will be done is accurate,
most of us know how that can go.
The younger the chicks are, the better this will work.
How big, in feet by feet, is the coop @MNchickaroo ?

I'd still employ items 2, 3 & 4 of the....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[sourland]

At that age, moving them into a space that is new to all of them, should be no problem at all.

This has been my experience, and sooner rather than later is also a very good idea.

 

[MNchickaroo]

Coop is 14'X6', with sloped roof, going from 8' to 7'. We are planning an extra large run, so on days we may be gone and unable to let them range (we have lots of acres for them to roam) they will have lots of room outside. We are getting the rest of our supplies this weekend (3 walls and floor already in place)...so we are on schedule, but I understand what happens to the best laid plans!

Yes! I like all the integration techniques and will make sure I use them.

I should also mention, of the 22 chicks, 20 of them came in a SR, and our plan was to cull the roosters for meat in the fall. So, when they are all full size, the flock will be smaller in size.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your time!!!

Side note: I noticed our little Americauna is the best "behaved" and is the least timid and easy natured of the chicks, is this typical of the breed?

 

[MNchickaroo]

Quick update...
Coop was finished on time! (Well, it still needs the run attached...but the building is completed...whew!)
Chicks were moved in at 4 weeks, and did just great being from 2 separate brooders. I think they were more concerned with the new bigger open space, and actually found solace in the bigger group! They seem much happier with more space, some bossy birds still of course, but less pouncing and spaces for more laid back birds to stay clear of any shenanigans.
They are also doing just fine with a single heat lamp (temps have been just about freezing, 35-40 at night.) Feathers seem to have doubled since moving (which is good!)

Unexpected side effect...the chicks are much more likely to approach and less skiddish now they are in the more open coop. Many of them walk right up to you or come to the door when you walk in. Anyone know why that is? Is it just age?

 

[aart]

Great!
Not sure if it's age or just less stress with more space or not being approached from above in the smaller brooder space.

 

[MNchickaroo]

I thought about that as a reason too...if my world consisted of a box, I might feel the same way!