Integrating Chicks

[MotherHen75]

I got 7 chicks that are 11 1/2 weeks old. Two cockerels, a bantam and a black cochin bantam. I think there’s 3 bantams, the rest are standard sized. But we have 5 full sized almost a year old hens, how would i go about introducing them? They are been ‘see no touch’ for a long long time. The hens are free range and the chicks are in a big coup. All the attempts i’ve made have ended pretty badly. The chicks get too close without realizing it and the hens attack. I’m scared the hens are gonna break their little necks. Advice?

 

[adickenscoop]

Here is an infographic which provides details regarding the various integration methods. I suggest a conservative one where you do it slowly via play sessions - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/caring-for-newly-adopted-chicken

 

[aart]

They are been ‘see no touch’ for a long long time.

How long is "long long" in weeks?

Main coop and chick coop set up side by side?
Pics of your set up would help.

And here's some tips on...
Integration Basics:
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.

 

[MotherHen75]

It’s not really together side by side. The girls are free range and the chicks are in a coup like i said. The feed and watering stations are next to the coup so they can see each other while eating and drinking.

 

[Mrs. K]

Some people do get bantams and full size birds to get along, others keep them separate because of the size difference. I think I would let the new ones out in the free range area a couple of times without the big girls being there. This allows them to explore a new area, without being attacked. To figure it out so to speak. Then try again with the free ranging together.

It might be that you wind up keeping them separate.

Are there hideouts in the area? A pallet, a tote, a platform, scrap plywood, a ladder, a roost, can allow birds to get out of sight of each other and that will help.

Mrs K

 

[MotherHen75]

A couple times i’ve just let them all out to see how it goes. The cockerels need to learn their place, but their egos are too big for their own giod

Some people do get bantams and full size birds to get along, others keep them separate because of the size difference. I think I would let the new ones out in the free range area a couple of times without the big girls being there. This allows them to explore a new area, without being attacked. To figure it out so to speak. Then try again with the free ranging together.

It might be that you wind up keeping them separate.

Are there hideouts in the area? A pallet, a tote, a platform, scrap plywood, a ladder, a roost, can allow birds to get out of sight of each other and that will help.

Mrs K

I actually do do this. When the girls are no where to be found i let them out. They seem to like it, there are some unkept places in the yard, bushes, trees just overgrowth in general. But the cockerels have egos too big for their own good, chase the hens not knowing how friggin small they are compared to them and end up with part of their waddle missing