[Rubellite]

When can I put the younger runners in with the older runners?
The older ones are 9 weeks and the younger ones are three weeks.
The babies stay out during the day (as we have no rain and sunshine) but are still under heat at night.
Thanks 

[Foxy]

well, what I have done might help, your older runners at 9 weeks old haven't sexually matured so you shouldn't have any major problems. Bit more challenging depending on the time of year and sexually active drakes
I have some which are around 14 weeks old and have recently been introduced to my 4 week old ducklings under supervision. No real problems apart from a little minor squabbling from the drake, but nothing compared to chooks! That was a few days ago and now they are all fine. Yours are a bit younger at 9 weeks so I think will be OK!
Good luck and aren't runners just fab!

[Rubellite]

Thanks Foxy. Pretty certain the older two are girlies anyway.
Next question - if they all get on well together will I be able to leave the young ones in at night with the older ones instead of taking them in under the heat lamp?
Not thinking just yet but maybe in a week or so............

[Foxy]

well I have taken mine off heat at 4 weeks old with no probs at all, they do seem to grow like mad don't they?? Saying that although lovely and warm during the day, it has been chilly overnight. I also have 10 ducklings in a small ark with plenty of chopped straw to snuggle in. Maybe if you have have plenty of insulation? I have found that ducklings at 4 weeks are quite hardy as long as used to being outside for the majority of time,just my experience though!

[Rubellite]

well I have taken mine off heat at 4 weeks old with no probs at all, they do seem to grow like mad don't they??Maybe if you have have plenty of insulation? I have found that ducklings at 4 weeks are quite hardy as long as used to being outside for the majority of time,just my experience though!

Yes, they do grow at an alarming rate! I think I'll be ok with these two, but if I get anything from the last hatch in a fortnight I'll have to have an alternative plan, methinks 
Will probably have to have a shift around, ark is currently used by Sussex 10 week olds.
Plan is to build another chicken house and put all 5 Sussex in together, easing the space in the big shed. I do need some rain to get my pond up and running and the ground soft for fencing posts