What age can i mix my chickens

[chicken 101]

hi every one i am new at this but here we go What age can i mix my chickens i have 6 bared rock chicks 3 are bigger then the other 3 and i have 30 chickens and two are bantam and my 3 big chicks are bigger then them will my chicks be ok or leave them for 2 or 3 weeks longer till they get bigger

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC!

Wait to introduce the chicks until they are at least 8 weeks. Definitely read this link on how to introduce them. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

Good luck!

 

[chicken 101]

thank you so much but i did the “see but don’t touch” method and did not work and they are about 10 11 weeks old now

 

[Mountain Peeps]

thank you so much but i did the “see but don’t touch” method and did not work and they are about 10 11 weeks old now

How long did you do it? It's best to keep them separated in their own area for at least 2-3 weeks before you let them be together.

 

[chicken 101]

about 2 1/2 weeks

 

[junebuggena]

It can take several weeks of living separately, but in close proximity for it to work. You should not let them mingle until the older birds are ignoring the younger ones. When you do introduce them, expect some sparing and chasing. It's normal, and a part of establishing the new birds in the pecking order. Lots of space and multiple feeders and waterers are essential.

 

[chicken 101]

ok thank you i have 5 waters and 5 feeders

 

[chicken 101]

hey guys i redid the “see but don’t touch” method and they have only been in there for not even a day and the roster will not let any of the hens near them is that a good or bad thing

 

[junebuggena]

Are they separated? They need to be kept close, but separate for at least a week or two before you can even start to let them have time together. Do not allow the younger ones in with the bigger ones until the older ones are acting normally and completely ignoring the younger ones. When they are ready to be moved in with the older ones, expect pecking order fights. Things may be rough for a few days/weeks, until everyone settles into their new flock positions.

 

[chicken 101]

ok lit the chicks out yesterday in the run with the big ones but put them back in to there cage when i put them in for the night and they were fine in the run some picking and fighting but not much and the chicks were fighting back to defend themselves