When can I integrate chicks of different ages?

[HomEOpathic Nut]

I have two batches of chicks I incubated this spring. The first batch is 11 weeks and we only have one rooster and one hen left from that group. I also have five that are 6 weeks old. They free range outside together and I've noticed the bigger ones chase the smaller but don't seem to be aggressive towards them. Is it too soon to integrate them since they are both young? We just built a nice coop and there is plenty of room for them all. Thanks!

 

[SoCha]

Hi, I had 2 smaller chicks, we bought them when they were 5 weeks, and now they are 11 weeks. We also have 2 bigger ones (1 year). They were free ranging together for 2 weeks. When they were 8 weeks we decided to make a smaller space in the big coop that only the small ones can get through ( a baby hut) So that if the big ones try to get the small ones the small ones can hide in the baby hut. The big ones like to chase after the small ones and peck at them. So we have to watch them when they free range so that the small ones don't get hurt. So now we have to wait until they are the same size to leave them unwatched in the same house without a baby hut. If your big chickens aren't aggressive then I would say you can add the 11 weeks ones. I would wait for the 6 week olds though. We've recently had one die because the big ones pecked at her head one too many times (she got wry neck) so we are now very careful.
Good Luck!

 

[HomEOpathic Nut]

Thank you Sorya! I will build a little hutch for them tomorrow and watch close when they're together.

 

[Mrs. K]

As you have more little ones than big ones, and they are already spending time together, I would make some hideouts in the run, and put them together.

 

[aart]

As you have more little ones than big ones, and they are already spending time together, I would make some hideouts in the run, and put them together.

Ditto Dat^^^

and since you have a new coop(that neither have lived in at all?) put them all in there together.


Integration Basics:

It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.