Young chickens with older ones

[rickochet]

I asked this question in reply to another post in the wrong place.So i think this would fall under "managing your flock" .After a friend picked up my six Cinnamon Queens at six weeks old(now eight)I was a little disappointed that it would be awhile before they started laying,two to three months Im told.So i decided to purchase a couple that were already laying but was advised against it as the older could attack the younger ones.The coop is large enough 12X16,with my nesting boxes and roosts already built and Im finishing my run now.I figured i would just add another feeder and waterer but was told not to combine the older wth the young.Being that ones of these people breeds chickens for a very large farm here in Arkansas I took it as so,but now Im confused.I love my liitle ladies and would want no harm to come to them so if any one could clear this up, it would help as Im new.My Wife says they would most likely, just pick on em a little.I like to go get two older CQ if possible as I like this breed .Please advise and Thanks. PS loving our Jack Russell Terriers ,the CQ ladies and all the birds that my wife causes me to go broke buying feed for and now we have chickens..oh my...

 

[rickochet]

Ok im learning "intergration" hope I"m in the right place

 

[ams3651]

I separate my chicks for a week or two but just with chicken wire so they can get used to each other. After that I just make sure they have a box or such that they can escape to if they want to. Just make the hole small enough the older ones can get in, I keep their food in there too. I would just say try and see what happens, keep an eye on them. Ive had the older ones chase the youngsters from food but never really go after them to hurt them.

 

[schellie69]

First if you buy any new birds please quarantine them for at least 30 days to make sure that they are not sick. You do not want to put any young birds with the older ones until the younger birds are about the same size for at least 2 weeks after the quarantine time that they can see each other through a fence but can't get to each other then let them free range together but keep apart for another week or so then take down the fence and let them be together this is what I did when I introduced the young birds last year.

 

[Patricia Jane]

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x2

 

[rickochet]

schellie,
I have read your posts before and I once again thank for your advice.Have a great day and a Happy Easter!!

 

[schellie69]

Quote:
Your welcome. Happy Easter to you too.