What age can chicks go in with the bigger chickens?

[americana-chick]

The title says it all

I am thinking about buying 7-8 week old marans (im sure they're not pure breds) but i would like them to be able to go into the pen with the bigger chickens first.. thanks!
~Bri

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

I have introduced youngsters to bigger girls at approximately 12 weeks of age. They got picked on a bit, just until the pecking order was established. Nothing serious, just some lost tail feathers.

Of course, you're gonna want to quarantine the newbies anyways. I don't add anything to my flock that I didn't hatch.

 

[americana-chick]

Quote:
I know the people who i am buying from though and i have seen their chickens and been around them befor so no need to quarantine them

do you think 8 weeks is to early?

 

[speckledhen]

Yes, 8 weeks is too early. They may be killed by the older ones. And, no matter where or who the birds came from, I'd still quarantine them. JMHO. You cannot see the carrier status of a bird just by looking.