Suggestions on combining my 2 batches?

[anniem]

So I have 9 week olds (6), they have been living the life of chickens out in the coop for the last week. Then...I got 4 more. And not so smartly got 3-2 weekers and 1-4 weeker. I really wanted a PR and they were older, had been there for a week or 2. And those are in the house in a brooder.

First of all....do I just keep treating the PR (2 weeks older than the others in the 2nd batch) the same as the younger ones I got her with? I feel bad that she doesn't get the treats/outside time but seems it'd be worse to put her on her own at all.

Second...Integrating....How do the 2 batches meet? I can make a small, temp pen within the real chicken run? Increase the time then spend short times all together?

Third....Feed....I read a thread about this earlier, sounds like I could stick with grower feed until the younger ones are ready for layer pellets but leave out oyster shell for the older ones (others said that their chickens seemed to know they needed it and only the older ones went for it). Does that sound right?

Obviously not the most thought out plan...

Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

First of all....do I just keep treating the PR (2 weeks older than the others in the 2nd batch) the same as the younger ones I got her with?

I would. It should reduce the risk of integration by a lot.

Second...Integrating....How do the 2 batches meet? I can make a small, temp pen within the real chicken run? Increase the time then spend short times all together?

Sound like a good plan. I'd sugest scattering treats at the fence so they get used to eating next to each other before they are allowed to mix.

Third....Feed....I read a thread about this earlier, sounds like I could stick with grower feed until the younger ones are ready for layer pellets but leave out oyster shell for the older ones (others said that their chickens seemed to know they needed it and only the older ones went for it). Does that sound right?

It sounds very right.