? When can chicks move to the coop with modifications?

[whatsup chickenbutt]

do you keep them totally seperate or can they spend any time together? I have a large bird cage that I can put them in for a while, that they will fit in nicely. Should I leave the door open so the chicks can come out but the big birds cant get in, or should i not let them have access to the outside for a while? My other question is, if I hang a light that low, will my other birds try to get to close to it and get burned? I have visions of my chickens catching on fire and then starting my whole barn on fire...

 

[NorCalMtnChick]

I am also curious about having the 2 older chickens in with the 15 three week olds. What sort of mini cage do you use in the coop? If I have the little ones in a box without a lid will the big ones try to get in the box? Any tips on introducing them to each other? Will I always have to keep them separate? If not, what age could I begin co-mingling? Any tips are appreciated! Thanks again!

 

[whatsup chickenbutt]

Ive got one of those big square white bird cages, thats what Im going to put them in inside the coop. But can anyone tell me about the low hanging light and my other chickens? will they bother it? and should I leave the little birdcage door open so that the babies can get out and back in, but the big ones cant get in?
Beuhler, Beuhler, Beuhler?

 

[NorCalMtnChick]

What's up Chickenbutt? (Love the name)
I am curious about that as well. Will the bigger chickens attack the little ones?
Anyone? Anyone?

 

[chantald]

Quote:
From what I have read on this forum.. yes.. they can attack and kill the little ones.. so one should wait until the chicks are nearly the same size as your current flock to integrate them..

If you search for chick integration or similar wording, you'll see quite a few posts.

I have mine in a guinea pig cage in the coop now.. I'm making a larger chicken wire enclosure so that they have room to wander around but are totally protected from the hens and rooster.

 

[NorCalMtnChick]

Thanks for the wording "chicken integration"...of course! I did not know where to look!