When is it safe to let them live together? And 1 odd chick question?

[UBkevy]

Hi all,

I have been reading this forum for a few weeks and it convinced me to get some birds. I wanted what seems to be the basic birds Barred Rocks, Australorps, Ameraucanas (great- grandpa had these) and Buff Orpingtons. I looked around and TSC only had Red sex-links and 10 black cochins 1 time (I kinda like them now). But to make a long story short I have 6 Golden comets and 6 red-sex links that are 3-4weeks old and just got 3 Barred Rocks and 3 Partridge Rocks that are 4 days old.



Will they ever be safe together until they are grown? or will they in a week or two be close enough in size to get along. I have the little ones in the brooder with the big ones just in an old bird cage to keep them safe and so they can get to know them. OHHHHHHH and 1 last question I know I have asked alot but 1 of the Barred rocks seems to have huge balls he is always near the big birds and i have seen him pull out there fuzz when they are not looking whats up with that?

 

[gpamela3499]

Unfortunetly I don't know the answers

 

[m2wandc]

sounds like a ballzzzy bird to me...suicidal or just plain ballzy

as for the size issue, I don't know...I'd keep them separate until they seem of equal size, ability, etc...but hopefully someone with experience can pipe in

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Yeah, I'd keep them seperate until they are a little closer size...you are right at the cutoff for when they will tend to pick on the littler ones...although I bought what was supposed to be a BLRW at about 1 or 2 days old...she is turning out to be a banty of some kind - SUPER tiny! And it's funny the "big girls" (4 weeks old) protect her like a mom! They surround her when my big scary hand comes into the brooder, and they will either sit on her when they sleep (her idea - she crawls under them) or they all scrunch together and she climbs on top of the pile of birds and has a king-sized "feather" bed!

So ya never know! Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[UBkevy]

when would you guys think there sizes will be close enough?

 

[MammaHen]

I would put them together when the young ones are about 4 weeks old. But thats me...and most of the time I'm wrong says my DH....