What age to introduce young to old

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Hi,

I have hatched 6 chicks (3 hens, 3 cocks) they are 8 weeks old and have been moved outside in area next to existing hens (6). I know they should be introduced at night into the older ones coop but please can you tell me at what age? Can I do it now or should I wait? Thank you, Rosser :)
 
Hi, I would say yes to introducing now. I have a flock of multi age chickens. I actually allow chicks when hatched with broody to joins straight away. I have also allowed chicks at 4 weeks to join the older ones. I consider myself lucky because my cockeral will look after the chicks the first couple of days to make sure they are not picked on and find them food. My advice would be to just watch them the first day or so and see how they get on. Expect a little pecking to begin with but they should be ok. If there is real big fighting I would separate. I know they say to introduce at night but I have done it during the day with no problems, it's also easier to watch them to see how they get on but up to you. Good luck
 
They should be on chick crumb until they're 8-10 weeks old and then on growers pellets until 18-20 weeks at least. If you try to integrate them with older birds sooner than this, they will have to eat layers pellets from a too early age, as these are formulated for hens in lay which need extra calcium to produce eggshells. If young birds are given this too early it adversely affects their growth. Also, birds younger than 18-20 weeks are likely to be badly bullied by older hens, as until they come into lay they are normally very submissive and easy targets for bullies.
I'm going through this process with my two growers, which I've had from 5 weeks until now at 16 weeks. They are in a divided run so they can see the older hens and I hoipe this will help a smooth integration at about 20 weeks. Also, I want them to finish up the bag of growers pellets before I move them on!
 
Sorry yes that is a very good point. My chickens are fed grain and oyster shell in separate feeders. I also get my chicks onto grain from the day they are born if with the broody or after four weeks in brooder with chick crumbs. Obviously that can't be done of you feed layers. I never bothered with growers when I was doing it the normal way! Although if you want you can start giving chicks layers at 12 weeks unless you want to do growers? I never had a problem with chickens which are not laying being on layers. I used to use layers and I have a cockeral in my flock like many other people and he obviously doesn't need the extra calcium but have never had problems. Your preference really :-)
 
Hi Guys, Thank you very much for the advice which has helped me a lot! Rosser
 
iv 3 diffrent age chicks running with my chickens and ducks. the 2 younger lots are fue days and fue weeks both with a broody they go in the rabbit hutch for their chick crumb now and then they try to eat layers but most the time they eat their own and i have older chicks i think 10-12 weeks all chicks are bantam
iv ducklings too. my rooster is so good and is being a bit protective of the broodies babies.
iv let them run the whole garden so can get away if need but i do have quite fue.
im more worried the stray cat with the tiny chicks i think more intrested in mice
 
I keep my growers separated until about 16 weeks old, only because I don't like growers and adults mixing.
 
I was wondering about this too. I have a couple of 15 week old bantams and a slightly older cockerel - he needs to be rehomed. Once we are back down to two and I would like one or two more bantams. If we get them POL I suppose they can all go on to layers together. But if we get more from where we got those two from, we may get them younger - and known to be female.

We like having them young as it gives us a better chance to tame them - they are pets first, although we would like some eggs too! There will be the issue of pecking order to resolve then, but also, does anyone know how my two bantams will feel once the cockerel leaves? They free range in our small enclosed back garden - do you think they will adapt or feel a bit bewildered?

Jane.
 
if they were older you might get a fue more bickering with out your boy as they help keep the peace.
 
Thanks - that's good news. Things are normally easier with animals when they are young.
 
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