age difference

[mrmolases2]

what the age gap i can put chickens in with other chicken how do i put 5 weeks olds in with older chickens please tell me i am really confused

 

[SueT]

I learned on BYC about the "see but don't touch" setup. I temporarily divided coop and run for the introduction phase... There are many many BYC forums discussing introducing new members to the flock. Lots of good advice, details, experiences etc.
Good luck with yours!
Sue

 

[PD-Riverman]

what the age gap i can put chickens in with other chicken how do i put 5 weeks olds in with older chickens please tell me i am really confused

Well I will tell you I Never do that---seen to many dead chicks in the past. Now to ease your mind some---some older chickens accept young chicks easier than others. Some older chickens don't accept them at all. You should introduce the chicks to them by putting the chicks in a pen inside the bigger pen with the older so they get use to seeing each other but not make any contact----do that a few days before turning them in with the older and watch them closely.

 

[mrmolases2]

like do i split the coop what about the run make a little closed off area in the run for them

 

[PD-Riverman]

like do i split the coop what about the run make a little closed off area in the run for them

Yea, a area that they can be next to other chickens but not where the older can peck them etc. Some just use a cage, some cut off a section, some make a circle right in the middle of the yard. with a top so the older chickens can not jump in the chicks new place.

 

[mrmolases2]

how would i get them in the run area and do i just do this for a couple days and they will be good

 

[PD-Riverman]

how would i get them in the run area and do i just do this for a couple days and they will be good

I do not understand the first part of your question------I just pick mine up and move them where they need to go, but I am not sure if that's the answer you are looking for. Probably a week or two would be better----Never say they Will be good----they might get pecked, killed when you allow them together----then your grown hens might be so friendly to them??? That's what you will have to watch for----don't put them together and leave-----you better spend some time watching what happens.

 

[mrmolases2]

yeah that's what i meant and does this work for you and when i put the new chickens in the first chickens wont be full grown still

 

[aart]

There area many different ways to integrate chicks into the main flock.
This is my latest technique: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old

Here's some tips:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.


Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, tho some info is outdated IMO:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[mrmolases2]

thanks this really helps