When will they roost?

[Henrybelle]

My chicks are 8/7 weeks old, are outside in the coop with my 7 2 yr olds. I have them separated by hardware cloth and during the day they have a separate outdoor enclosure although I have been letting them out to “mingle” with the older girls. At night some of them run straight to their side of the coop but some of them want to roost with the older hens. What should I do? I did put some lower roosts in their side but when I check them later they are still huddled underneath them. When do they generally begin to roost and when will it be safe to take down the hardware cloth and let them roost together? Out of my seven older girls two of them are slightly aggressive towards the “babies”.

 

[Chicken Chiquita]

My chicks started to roost almost as soon as I got them. Honestly I think it's your decision when you let them roost together, I think as long as they aren't aggressive, or hurting each other, I would let them, and than separate them again for the day. Hope this is what you wanted, and helps!