When should I introduce the smaller chicks to older chicks?

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ksherm

ksherm

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Hello, I'm a first time chicken owner. I currently have 8 chicks that are about 8 weeks old and 8 chicks that are 4 weeks old. When can I mix the two groups together safely?
 
Hello there and welcome to BYC!
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No not yet. I would hold off until the 4 week olds catch up somewhat to the 8 week olds. When your 4 week old chicks are out of the brooder at 5 or 6 weeks, put the 4 week olds in an enclosure or wire dog crate in the run and coop within the flock. Everybody sees, nobody touches. Leave these young birds in this manner for about 3 weeks. Let them grow up a bit. After everybody gets to know each other from behind wire for a few weeks, you can mix the flocks. Always watch carefully that first week and always intervene if it turns bloody.

Have you stopped by our learning center yet? Lots of good articles on all the aspects of raising your chicks, building the coop, keeping them healthy and safe from predators...https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Good luck with your flock and if you have any questions, feel free to ask around the forums! Welcome to our flock!
 
I recommend mixing them when they are near the same size. Check out the Learning Center!

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined the flock!
 

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