separating chickens and then reintroducing them

[vpeterson]

I have over 30 3 week old chicks. I need to separate them into two different locations but will be returning them together at the end of summer. Will they still remember each other or will they act like total strangers with each other? How long can you separate them without having to go through all of the figihting over pecking order?

 

[Chicken Ninja]

They'll probably remember each other, but there will likely still be fighting when you reintroduce them to each other.

When seperated, the 2 groups will re-establish pecking order in their own groups, and then be fine. Once you combine them again, there will be another establishment phase where the dominant ones from both groups fight for power.

Hopefully this doesn't happen, but I think it is the most likely outcome to your particular scenario.

Hope that helps

 

[Quack Shack]

Even a day or so away from the flock can cause so minor squirmishes. That can't be avoided. When you do bring them back, perhaps let them see each other through a fence for awhile before you put them all in together. I don't know if chickens remember other chickens long-term. Good topic though.

 

[BushHog936]

They'll be strangers but it won't be a big deal. They're mighty young (three weeks you said) and haven't started pecking order fights yet.