Can I keep chickens of different ages together?

Age Differences Chicks can be brooded together within 2 weeks of age. You can also use the amount of feathering to determine if different age chicks can be placed together.

How do you mix new and old chickens?

Keep the new chickens cooped up in their new house for a couple of days so they know where home is, then let them loose to mingle in the yard with the others. Just make sure that the older chickens have equally good feed as the new ones, so there’s no incentive to raid the newcomers’ coop.

How long does it take for new chickens to be accepted?

It can take quite a long time – up to 3 weeks for new chickens to get to like each other. Be patient. There will be pecking orders established so some pecking is okay. Just watch to make sure they aren’t fighting for more than 20-30 seconds, drawing blood.

Why should chickens of different ages should not be mixed?

Don’t just combine the two groups and assume it’s fine. There will be the occasional scuffle. An adult bird may peck a younger chick, and if it draws blood it can turn very dangerous for the younger bird.

When can pullets be put with hens?

Fourteen weeks is generally when I think pullets are large enough to integrate into the main flock, and it usually coincides with the arrival of fall if the chicks were hatched in the spring. It’s a good idea to try to introduce them a couple of weeks before they start laying, so it can vary depending upon the breed.

Can you mix older chickens with younger chickens?

NEVER Ever Put Baby Chicks in with an Adult Flock And it’s very important to note that baby chicks should NEVER be added to a flock of adult hens, or even older pullets. You need to wait to add new chickens to the flock until they are at least 8 weeks old and preferably closer to 12-14 weeks old.

Will older hens hurt chickens?

Extremely aggressive chickens can kill younger chicks, even if they are 8 weeks old, or sometimes even older. In some cases, older chickens can kill the new ones even if they are the same size, which is why you have to be so careful. If you have very aggressive hens, you may want to wait longer.

How long does it take for chickens to accept new chickens?

Why are my chickens ganging up on one?

Usually, they deal with stress by going off lay for a few days, being quieter than usual, but on occasion, the stress can trigger one hen to act out of character and become aggressive to a flock mate(s). Stress can also be caused by the presence of a predator or an eager farm dog lurking about.

How do I get my chickens to accept new chickens?

Take a fairly docile and mid-order hen from the existing flock and put her with the newbie for a week or so until they seem to get along. Then introduce both of them to the flock.

Do chickens peck each other to death?

Chickens know when a one of their flock members is sick or ill and it is very common for them to peck them to death. This is innate behavior. A sick or injured bird creates a predator threat to the rest of the flock.

What should I do if my chickens mix?

Soon, everybody wanted to cuddle up under the brooder and out. hour after mixing . In the worst case scenario, chicken chick. Be prepared to separate the flocks, if necessary. That said, try to be a bit calmer than I was. My heart was in my weren’t being hurt. You’ll be able to tell if the younger chick

Will my new chicks get along with my older chickens?

Chances are, things will be fine. I always place newbies in a cage in the general area for the day so everyone sees each other in the same space….then when it is time to roost for the night- I put the newbies oin the roost below the older hens- they all sleep together, and act like they have been together for years the next day… Northern CA!!

Do chickens stay with their own age group?

The all seem to stay with their own age group, with the exception of a few of the larger 5 wk olds and one 3 week old that thinks they belong with the oldest group. I’ve observed one of the 6 week old chasing the others away from her flock and the occassional peck to a younger one, otherwise, no problems!

Do older chicks pick on the younger ones?

I have seen several posts about mixing chicks/chickens of different ages, and that the older ones tend to pick on the younger ones. I have some chicks that are 6 weeks old and some that are 2 weeks old.