What's a good age to let the babies into my main flock?

[chicken4prez]

I have twelve 8-12 week old chicks that contain EEs and Silkies. What's a good age to let my babies into the bigger flock? I have two roosters that are almost the same size as my one RIR so I'm thinking that they can go out soon. They're 12 weeks old.

Thanks in advance!

 

[azygous]

In the future, it's far easier to integrate small chicks using a panic room set up than to wait until they're nearly full grown, even though common wisdom (which often isn't all that wise) dictates it. See my article below on outdoor brooding for more information on this integration technique.

You may integrate now, though. I would advise allowing your youngsters time in a safe enclosure within the run to observe the adults and to become familiar with the different temperaments before allowing them to mingle. That way they learn whom to avoid and which ones they can relax around.

I find it very useful to put an old table, like a card table, in the run with food and water on top so the youngsters have a place to eat in peace and to relax above the fray when the social order becomes too stressful.