I have a dilemma

[lleeme]

I have a dilemma. I apologize in advance this is a long winded post.

I have six 6 week old chicks: 2 golden comets, 2 isa browns, and 2 smokey pearls. Last Friday, I got 2 ameranca hens and a young leghorn rooster.

The chicks are outgrowing what I have them in but I have heard it is not safe to put them in with the adults till they are older.

The older hens and rooster are only coming out of the henhouse to eat. They were kept in pens half the size of mine that had a shelter towards the back and wire in the front half.

I have had the chicks in a small pen in the front yard but it is open on top. I would like to introduce them to the chicken yard but am unsure of my ability to get them in at night.

More info: the back has yet to be cleared of brush. The hen house is in the middle, and towards the front are some nesting boxes and what we assume is a rabbit hutch. We would move that out but I had both hips replaced and can't do the lifting.

Suggestions please.View attachment 3073841View attachment 3073842View attachment 3074113View attachment 3074121

 

[Tonyroo]

If you have pictures to post use the edit button, then click the attachment button, once uploaded, click the upper left corner to increase the size.

 

[Tonyroo]

Do you have pictures of your coop/ run? Maybe people on here can advise a better way to put both groups in one area safely.

 

[lleeme]

If you have pictures to post use the edit button, then click the attachment button, once uploaded, click the upper left corner to increase the size.

Thanks for the instructions.

 

[Tonyroo]

You have a lot of space for the 2 groups.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC. Where, in general, are you? Climate matters, especially when it comes to housing, and if you put your general location into your profile people can give you better targeted advice.

Here are some useful articles on integration:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

This is one of my integration setups -- to be used inside a secure area because it's not a predator-proof build: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/mini-coop-or-integration-pen-from-a-large-dog-crate.76593/

 

[MarkButcher]

I have a dilemma. I apologize in advance this is a long winded post.

I have six 6 week old chicks: 2 golden comets, 2 isa browns, and 2 smokey pearls. Last Friday, I got 2 ameranca hens and a young leghorn rooster.

The chicks are outgrowing what I have them in but I have heard it is not safe to put them in with the adults till they are older.

The older hens and rooster are only coming out of the henhouse to eat. They were kept in pens half the size of mine that had a shelter towards the back and wire in the front half.

I have had the chicks in a small pen in the front yard but it is open on top. I would like to introduce them to the chicken yard but am unsure of my ability to get them in at night.

More info: the back has yet to be cleared of brush. The hen house is in the middle, and towards the front are some nesting boxes and what we assume is a rabbit hutch. We would move that out but I had both hips replaced and can't do the lifting.

Suggestions please.View attachment 3073841View attachment 3073842View attachment 3074113View attachment 3074121

Looks like you've got the makings of a good chicken yard going there, once you've got your outside chickenwire/whatever all in place! Your chicks sound maybe a little young yet for placing there, but as someone else replied, with the total amount of chickens you have, it looks like you've got plenty of space to section off more then enough space for two different groups, for the time being.

 

[lleeme]

Welcome to BYC. Where, in general, are you? Climate matters, especially when it comes to housing, and if you put your general location into your profile people can give you better targeted advice.

Here are some useful articles on integration:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

This is one of my integration setups -- to be used inside a secure area because it's not a predator-proof build: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/mini-coop-or-integration-pen-from-a-large-dog-crate.76593/

Thanks for the links. Think I will get a dog crate and put it in the hen house with an escape door.