Thoughts on integrating chicks with pullets (7 week difference).

[thecatumbrella]

Let me start by saying I'm only considering this. I really wanted to hear feedback before charging forward.

My flock consists of seven (soon to be six) 4 week-old bantams. Because I've had a couple of losses, I'd like to add four more bantam chicks to the mix. The hope is to go into winter with at least eight bodies in the coop for warmth. And yes, 6+4=10, but I'm trying to account for another unexpected rooster or failure to thrive.

There would be a 7 week difference in age between them. The existing chicks are bantam cochins (pekins) and a d'uccle. The new chicks would be 2 silkies, a bantam green queen, and another d'uccle. I'd have an integration section in my run for the newcomers.

Questions:
- Any chance it will be easier to integrate while they're still young? No one's laying eggs anytime soon, and the existing girls will JUST be getting started outside full-time when the new chicks arrive. Hopefully this means less tension and territorial skirmishes?
- Is it a bad idea to add Silkies? Everyone already has feather feet, and my understanding is that the silkies will grow a bit larger than the pekins and d'uccle, but I don't want to invite unnecessary bullying over their appearance.
- Any guess as to how long I should introduce before allowing them to co-mingle? I've heard everything from "wait until they're similar size" to "2 weeks".

Thanks for your help.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would pen them next to each other for a long while, a few weeks, before trying supervised mingling. You should be okay adding silkies as cochins and d'uccles are more gentle breeds. Most bantams are more gentle.

 

[azygous]

The window for being able to successfully sneak two different age groups together is narrow. If you sneak in new chicks before the first group has reached four weeks, the chicks likely won't notice.

However, beyond age four weeks, chicks are already forming their life long bonded groups, and they will tend to be aggressive toward any younger chicks, no matter the ages.

Your best bet is to keep the different age groups separated but able to see each other as @oldhenlikesdogs mentioned.Then, once the newer group reaches full growth, then you may allow them to mingle. But you should expect some bullying of the younger pullets by the older ones. This is normal and if you have plenty of space, this should be no problem.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I would pen them next to each other for a long while, a few weeks, before trying supervised mingling.

Fair. It seems to take bantam chicks a long time to come up to speed. The older ones will be running circles around them, seeing as they're still in that hyperactive phase for a while.

However, beyond age four weeks, chicks are already forming their life long bonded groups, and they will tend to be aggressive toward any younger chicks, no matter the ages.

This is what I was afraid of, but very very good to know.

once the newer group reaches full growth

Meaning the 6-8 week mark for feathering? I want to make sure I understand. If that was the case, they'd be getting about 3-5 weeks of integration pen field trips.

We're finishing up our pen remodel this week, so I'll update the thread with pictures to get some thoughts on the space.

Thank you both!

 

[azygous]

I mean size, not degree of feathering. In chicken world, size matters and has a direct bearing on behavior. Six-week olds may be feathered out and cold resistant, but they are still quite small compared to ten-week olds or adults. At ten weeks, they are pretty nearly adult size, although chickens continue to fill out for another year.

Bantams may have a disadvantage unless they are assertive, which many are. I have two Buttercups which are only slightly larger than bantams, and they more than hold their own with standard sizes.

Behavior issues are very complex. You are wise to try to foresee problems and work it out beforehand.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I mean size, not degree of feathering. In chicken world, size matters and has a direct bearing on behavior. Six-week olds may be feathered out and cold resistant, but they are still quite small compared to ten-week olds or adults. At ten weeks, they are pretty nearly adult size, although chickens continue to fill out for another year.

Bantams may have a disadvantage unless they are assertive, which many are. I have two Buttercups which are only slightly larger than bantams, and they more than hold their own with standard sizes.

Hmmm. You're definitely giving me something to think about. It's an awful long time to have to maintain two different groups.

 

[azygous]

Have you read my article on brooding outdoors? https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors.71995/ It will give you a good idea about how young chicks handle adult chickens. Having plenty of space is key.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Have you read my article on brooding outdoors? https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors.71995/ It will give you a good idea about how young chicks handle adult chickens. Having plenty of space is key.

Okay, wow. You have my dream setup, and the article is amazing!

I know this is off topic for the thread, but I had another thought from reading your article. Our chicks were hand fearful at first (because they can only see us from over the top), so we spent A LOT of time dangling our arms in, hand feeding, etc. And they're great now. BUT, they bite! Not in a mean way, but with the same intensity that they give their toys. I've tried correcting with "the peck", I've tried squealing like another chick would, nothing really takes. Now I'm thinking it's because they don't see my entire body (like you said), so they don't associate our hands and arms as being part of us. Hoping that will autocorrect once we start going outside this weekend and hanging out in the pen.

I love the idea of brooding outdoors. Unfortunately, our existing pen is pretty lousy for this purpose because we can't put a legit roof on it. We do intend to build in the next year or two, and you've sold me on the idea of an integrated grow-out pen with panic door. I'm guessing you can also repurpose the space when there's no chicks in it (sick bay, broody breakers, etc.) My only concern is losing power for the heat, but I think we could get a system in place to address that.

 

[newchickmomma83]

I've found this interesting as I have 2 groups of chicks that are 4 weeks apart. I put my older ones (9 weeks) out in their coop a couple of weeks ago. My little ones are 5 weeks so I'm going to wait another week or two before I put them out. I had some people tell me just to put them together. There will be a pecking order and a little bullying but that's normal and will happen even if they can see each other for a couple of weeks. I think it really depends on you and your setup. There's a natural checking each other that will happen even if you have all adult chickens and try to integrate them together.

However I'm sure I have the unpopular opinion on this . I wish you the best of luck though in however you decide works best for yoU!