What to do with the new babies??

[Gersbud]

I have about 15 adult chickens and a roo. Earlier this spring I purchased 10 new chicks, they are now about 10 to 12 weeks old. I am just wondering if they are old enough or need to be older to place them with the adults chickens. The other question is what to do with the 5 little chicks my daughter purchased, they are living right now with the 10 older ones but if i take the older ones away will there be any problems with the five babies, they are only about 2 to 3 weeks old.

 

[Judy]

Is there a way you can fence them so they are separate but can see/hear the others, maybe a section of the run/yard fenced with chicken wire? It would be a safer way to introduce and give you an idea how everyone will react. The 12 week olds might be OK with the adults (or not) but at this point I wouldn't separate them from the 2 week olds, and they should be the ones in greater danger.

OTOH it might be you could put them all together and they would do fine, and be gentle about the pecking order.