What age can I mix them?

[wldflower]

We have 7 chicks that are three weeks old, and we just got a new chick (2 day old) to replace one of the older chicks that died. At the moment, they are in the same cage with a screen separating them. However, the older chicks and the new one are clearly trying to get next to each other... essentially they are all huddling up against the screen.

When can I remove the screen?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

The one who is by himself will be lonely- that is natural, and so I am happy that he can see the others.

I only integrate chicks that are brand new with those 2 weeks older, not three (have tried it unsuccessfully). So, I'd give the new one about a couple more weeks to grow and then try it. The reason I say this is that at age three weeks, chicks come into the ability to find their way in and out of my shed coops to their heat lamps.

Before three weeks of age, if I allow them to go outside they stand out there and freeze...I have to rescue them. There is a little light bulb that goes on in their heads at three weeks of age and they become much faster - would be more likely to keep up with the others. Now if you do see him getting hurt as you integrate pull him out and give it more time. They will peck each other of course, but what I mean is if the younger one isn't able to get away or isn't standing up for himself and looks like he might be killed. That isn't good.

Another thing you can do is take one of the older ones and put him in with the lone chick, in a week and a half or so, and see how that goes (watch carefully that the little one doesn't get hurt). Then maybe they will be friends by the time you remove the divider.

There are many right answers to this question you have posed...everyone does things a little differently. If the breeds you have are very docile you may find that they can be integrated a little earlier. If they are aggressive then it might have to wait until longer. Individual hens also are different. So it makes it hard to say exactly. But this is what I'd do given what you said.

My three week old Leghorns are kickboxing the others in the brooder right now on occasion. My Cochin chicks are so sweet and docile, running around minding their own business.

 

[utjuice]

We had two 3.5 week old silkies and put 5 day old standards in with them with success. We did have a little pecking from one of the silkies for a couple hours, but now she is acting motherly towards the 3 smallest ones. I would say it was a success, and to go for it. We were prepared to separate them if we needed to, but I think we made it through the worst of it.

 

[gimmie birdies]

you might try putting just one other chick in at a time- not the most aggressive chick and take turns, and supervise. also if you put special treats in the pen to distract the other chicks. you could also try a heating pad, or one of those heated up rice bags, not too hot and put them all together in the dark that would be another good way.

 

[wldflower]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will keep them separate just until the new one is a bit bigger.