Separate big from little?

[Edie53]

should we separate the layers from the meat birds? The layers are so much smaller... they are about 3 weeks old. I’m going to start bringing them outside during the day as soon as I get the pen finished (in another day or two I think). they don’t seem to be be picking on each other, but the meat chickens are soooo much bigger than the little laying hens!

 

[BlessedmamaAELE]

Are they all
The same age and have been together from the start? I have not had any trouble keeping my different sizes/birds together. I even have Bantams. And 3 Cockerels. All around 10 weeks. If they aren’t pecking and being violent I would allow them to remain together. Let
Them establish pecking order, they should do just fine.

 

[Acre4Me]

should we separate the layers from the meat birds? The layers are so much smaller... they are about 3 weeks old. I’m going to start bringing them outside during the day as soon as I get the pen finished (in another day or two I think). they don’t seem to be be picking on each other, but the meat chickens are soooo much bigger than the little laying hens!

Yes, the general consensus is to raise meat (Cornish X type) separate from layers. Partly due to size difference and growth rates, but also because they will eat all the food and layers may not be as able to get to the feed or any feed! Some people have had issues with the larger and heavier meat birds (Cornish type) trampling regular chicks, but sounds like your chicks are a bit bigger than just hatched.

Good Luck.

 

[Ebony Rose]

If they've been managing to coexist without killing each other, then I'd leave them as they are. Put extra feed and water out for your layer chicks, preferably a foot or two off of the ground, as meat birds typically CAMP on feeders, and usually can't be bothered with jumping up to get to a feeder (just as well, as they'd probably break a leg trying to get down). My meat birds have been known to actually sleep ON feeders, in the daytime, presumably between meals... I've always kept water near the feed, but especially important with meat birds.

 

[Edie53]

View attachment 1773553 Are they all
The same age and have been together from the start? I have not had any trouble keeping my different sizes/birds together. I even have Bantams. And 3 Cockerels. All around 10 weeks. If they aren’t pecking and being violent I would allow them to remain together. Let
Them establish pecking order, they should do just fine.

Yes, they’re all the same age & have been together since 1 week old (when we got them). Seem to be getting along just fine; the layers have no trouble getting to the feeder & waterer.

 

[Edie53]

Thanks everyone! the kiddos are getting along just fine, all are getting to the feeder & waterer. So I think for now I’ll leave them together until I see any problems.