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Starting a flock with multi aged chickens......

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by j and bs hens, Mar 10, 2012.

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  1. Mar 10, 2012 #1
    j and bs hens

    j and bs hens Chirping

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    Feb 29, 2012
    Vancouver Island
    Hi,

    We have 4 five week old chicks, and we are thinking of getting a couple of ready to lays. Our chicks are currently in our laundry room, and it's still too cool to get them into the coop. If we were to get the ready to lays, they'd be going into the coop. We will be moving our laundry room group out once they are full feathered, and it's warm enough.

    Is there a tried and true way of mixing the two groups and keeping the peace? Should we wait until the LR group is in the coop?? Or does it matter at all??? :rolleyes:

    Thanks!
     

  4. Mar 10, 2012 #2
    bobbi-j

    bobbi-j Free Ranging Premium Member

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    Mar 15, 2010
    On the MN prairie.
    I think it would be best to wait until your current ones are close to adult size.
     
  6. Mar 10, 2012 #3
    bloonskiller911

    bloonskiller911 Songster

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    Jan 29, 2012
    Brookville, Indiana
    i mixed 6 week old pullets with laying hens and had no problems. they integrated great, we have a large run though.
     
  8. Mar 10, 2012 #4
    chickenluv

    chickenluv In the Brooder

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    Sterling IL
    I've mixed 6-8week old babies in with my flock, and they've done just fine. But when I first introduce the babies to the big coop, I keep them in cages the first night/day, so the girls can meet them, but not peck. My coop is pretty good sized, so they have enough space to say out of the older hens way. Just keep an eye on them for the first few days, to make sure none of the girls decide to pick on any of the babies.
     

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