I am not sure where to post this question, sorry if this is the wrong place for it. I have 13 chickens that just started laying recently. I don't remember exactly how old they are, but I think around 6 or 7 months. Today I am going to pick up 7-week-old youngsters. I want to keep them in the same coop as my older ones, as I really don't have any other place that is predator-proof enough. What can I do to help the older ones get used to the little ones? Any suggestions? I am so excited about these chickens! There are Buff Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, a Black Australorp, Barred and Partridge rocks, and Columbian Wyandottes. In all there are 26!!! Yay! I'll try to get some pictures later on today or tomorrow...
You could section off a part of the coop for the new chickens so that they can see each other but not be able to peck and fight with each other. You could have that set up for a few days, then take the divider down and see how they act. I know some people just put the chickens together immediately. There may be some pecking and such, but it usually gets sorted out quickly. Just keep an eye on them. Good luck!
I fixed up a dog kennel to put the older chickens in for a while. How long until I can put them back together again? The first try didn't work out to well. I am trying to get some pictures on here! But I start school tomorrow so I don't know when I'll be able to get to it. I have already taken the pictures, just need to get the time to upload and put them on photo bucket...
Oh my! You really NEED to keep the new ones away from the original flock for at least 30 days. Just to make sure you dont bring in any disease. The new ones may LOOK and ACT healthy...but why take the risk? After 30 days....let them see each oth for at least a week...before letting them in together. Late afternoon, early evening, about roosting time works better. They get to wake up together. There will still be some picking...adding newbies messes up the pecking order, and it will have to be restructured. Just watch them and make sure they dont get carried away..and severly hurt each other.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=12751 Check this thread about the quarantining!